Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions, it can make or break your home buying experience. A knowledgeable real estate agent is your guide and your representative for any kind of home transaction.
A realtor is your go-to person for real estate expertise or for any kind of help that you need to buy a home. The majority of homebuyers opt to use a real estate agent to represent them during the home search process when it comes to the complexities of finding homes.
Assessing the value of a home, putting in an offer or negotiating and other activities that your realtor can help you with when you’re buying.
They also help with keeping up with real estate market trends, news and activity, researching current and sold MLS listings for homes that fit their client’s interests, booking showings or related appointments to bring their client to view homes, identifying red flags in a house or a condo, renovation suggestions, facilitating real estate paperwork for purchase offers etc. Â
Some simple tips that you need to follow when determining what realtor best suits your unique needs.
Firstly, don’t feel pressured to use someone just because they’re known. That person may or may not be right for you. Be sure to do your homework before signing a contract or anything. Don’t be afraid to show your appreciation.
Second is checking the references. This one is so rare. This is so rare to see people asking for references. Most references provided will be biased in favour of the realtor. If you listen carefully and ask the right questions you’ll often discover the truth.
Thirdly, ask about their services. A highly trained realtor should be able to speak confidently about their various services. Many realtors offer similar services, but oftentimes the differentiator between a good realtor and a great one.
Fourth is to interview at least two or three realtors. Buying or selling, it’s always a good idea to speak to multiple realtors. You’ll want to be able to build a good rapport with your realtor. You could be working with your realtor for weeks, months and sometimes years, so it’s critical to build a strong working relationship.
Fifth is to examine a realtor’s business model and track record. Some people are drawn to the highest performing realtors. This is neither positive nor negative. Make sure they’re able to devote the required time to service.
Sixth is to not pick a realtor based on price. If you’re selling a home then it’s your responsibility to pay the Realtor. There’s a growing trend for consumers to focus too much on commission rates.
Seventh is a realtor should have knowledge of the area. Realtor you decide to use should have knowledge of the area in which you’re buying and/or selling. Realtors will likely be geared with this information or know where to access.
Eighth is to use multiple means to locate a realtor. To find a realtor there are a number of ways. Such as the internet, referrals, newspapers, mailers, magazines etc. The realtor will be honest with you when it comes to the risks involved with your buying or selling decisions.
Pay attention while interviewing candidates. See if they’re using data or references. The realtor should be open to sharing examples of homes they’ve helped past clients buy or sell, or to sharing references for past clients they’ve worked with.
A realtor who checks off all the boxes in your criteria of expertise and knowledge might not be the right fit for you if you don’t get along or if you don’t feel comfortable with.
You need someone you’re comfortable sharing concerns with and answer your questions with patience. Ultimately you need someone.
