How to Choose a Realtor

Whether you are buying or selling a home anywhere in the country, you will want an effective professional to assist you. Here is how to find a realtor that will be right for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• readiness to buy or sell property
• pre-approval from your bank if you are a buyer

1. Find a realtor that will mesh with your personality and needs Think of the qualities that are important to you. What strengths are you most interested in when contracting a realtor. Maybe if you prefer someone who is relaxed and helps you to reach good decisions. Or maybe you prefer a realtor with a hard sell attitude. What qualities do you prefer in a salesperson when you walk into a retail store? Knowledgeable, professional, laid back, man or woman, top producer or someone that does a lot of business in your particular area or subdivision, or perhaps there is something with your situation that needs special attention or specialization. Once you choose, you will be working with this person closely, so choose the type of person you feel safe with and can help guide you in the real estate market jungle.
2. Lots of sea-soned professionals and one will stand out to you! Ask your friends and family for a referral. Do they know anyone that can meet your needs based on what you are looking for in a realtor? Do not just automatically assume that you should go with whoever they know, because that agent may have been a great fit for them but may not mesh well with you. (If you need a referral, you can contact this author at [e-mail] and I will refer you to someone that meets your needs, in your area of the country at no charge to you)
3. Working with the professional you choose is the key to success! Once you are working with a realtor that you approve, be loyal. When you tell a realtor that they have your loyalty, they will tend to work much harder for you. This means to buyers: do not call the listing agents when you drive by a house. Just write the address down and pass the info to your agent. They are there to set up the showing appointments for you and if you go directly to the listing agent, that agent will cut out your realtor from the deal. Sellers: If you have concerns about your property being sold, ask your agent for advise. Do not break a listing contract out of frustration. If your agent tells you that your house is priced too high, listen to reasons why the agent feels this way. Do not be afraid to rely on the professional opinion of your realtor.
4. Find the right realtor for YOU! What it really should come down to is this: Finding a professional that you are excited to speak to and suits your own personality. You do not want to have to deal with someone that you find irritating just because the agent's office was near your house and heck, they were available when you walked into the office. Your realtor should know your needs and listen to you. You are relying on this realtor with a major purchase or sale of your property, so make sure you like them beforehand and your life will go a lot smoother the process!

Tips & Warnings

• Finding a great agent is easy when you know what you want. It can be as complex as finding someone that also works as a home appraiser in that area to simply someone who loves animals and children because you have plenty of both in your house! Decide and work with whom you want!
• Ask. No harm in asking. People will be happy to give referrals if you need them.
• Remember- if you need an experienced Realtor, I can refer you to one in your area at no cost to you, just send me your full Name(s), Address (and town/area that you are purchasing - if different than your present town), and best Phone Number for your agent to reach you. (And by the way, I promise to keep your personal info safe from the bad guys- like spammers - I'm good like that!)- [e-mail]