Buying or selling a home is a life-changing event, and choosing the right realtor is crucial to your success. The process is not easy, so selecting the right agent can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you find a realtor who is competent, reliable, and well-suited to your needs.
Initial Search
Start by talking to friends, family, and colleagues to see if they have any recommendations. Most people know a realtor, especially if they have purchased or sold a home in the last year. Once you have a few names, research them online to find more information and potentially identify additional candidates to add to your list.
Overall Online Presence
Before committing to a realtor, search their name online to see what comes up. A well-established agent should have a professional online presence, including a personal website, social media profiles, and possibly even media mentions. This visibility can be a strong indicator of their experience, reputation in the industry, and marketing prowess.
If you are selling a home, it’s especially important because most home searches happen online. If your agent doesn’t know how to market themselves online, there’s a good chance they will fall short when it comes to marketing your home online.
Reviews and Testimonials
Checking reviews and testimonials from past clients is a great way to gauge a realtor’s performance. Look for feedback on platforms such as Google, Yelp, and real estate-specific sites like Zillow. Pay attention to the quality of the reviews. Detailed reviews, where clients describe their experiences in depth, are likely to be authentic and particularly useful. Focus on these comprehensive accounts. Don’t automatically dismiss a realtor because of a single negative review; instead, consider the reason behind it and evaluate whether it affects your opinion.
Quality of Listings
When selecting a real estate agent to sell your house, it’s crucial to evaluate the quality of their listings on platforms like Zillow or realtor.com. Start by checking if they use professional photography or just cell phone photos without proper lighting. Professional images will make the home look its best, without clutter on counters or toilet seats up (a pet peeve of mine). Are the lights on? Are the blinds open? Do the pictures effectively showcase the home? Are they in a logical order and correctly oriented? Believe it or not, I’ve seen some listings with upside-down photos. A serious realtor pays attention to these details.
Next, read through the property descriptions. Are they detailed and engaging, or vague and uninspired? Look for any misspellings or grammatical errors. Professionalism in listings is a strong indicator of how seriously the agent takes their work and how well they will market your property. A well-crafted listing shows that the realtor is dedicated to presenting your home in the best possible light.
Interview
Now that you’ve done your investigation online, you should have hopefully narrowed down your list to 2 or 3 agents. Time to get to know them better. When I meet with a client, I treat it as a job interview, because the client is basically hiring you to perform a task. Don’t hesitate to interview multiple agents before making your decision. Prepare a list of questions to ask about their experience, approach, and strategies. This conversation will give you a sense of their communication style, expertise, and how well they understand your needs.
Punctuality and Professional Appearance
Before the conversation even starts, consider how the agent handled your initial phone call. Did they answer when you called to set up the meeting? If not, did they return your call within a reasonable amount of time? These initial interactions can be telling.
Observe whether the agent shows up on time for your meeting. Ideally, they should arrive a few minutes early. Punctuality is a sign of respect and professionalism, indicating that the agent values your time and is likely to be organized and reliable throughout the process.
Additionally, how an agent presents themselves can tell you a lot about their professionalism. While it’s important not to judge solely based on appearances, a realtor who dresses appropriately for your meeting is likely to take their role seriously and make a positive impression on potential buyers and sellers.
Knowledge of the Local Area
Whether buying or selling a home, one of the most critical aspects of choosing a realtor is their knowledge of the local market. I recommend selecting an agent who lives within 45 minutes of the area where you are buying or selling—the closer, the better. An agent who knows the area well can offer valuable insights into neighborhood trends, property values, schools, upcoming construction, and local amenities. This in-depth knowledge allows them to provide detailed information about the community that might not be readily available online, helping you make informed decisions.
Full-Time Commitment
Real estate is not easy. Since this will be one of the biggest investments of your lifetime, ensure that your realtor is a full-time professional. Real estate is a demanding field, and part-time agents may not be as available or dedicated to your needs. A full-time realtor is likely to be more responsive, proactive, knowledgeable, and focused on providing the best service.
Team Structure
Consider whether the agent works alone or as part of a larger team. While teams can offer more resources and support, you might find yourself handed off to less experienced members. Make sure you understand who you will be working with directly and how the team operates.
Experience
Experience is a crucial factor when choosing a realtor. How long have they been in the business, and how many transactions have they completed? An agent with extensive experience will have a deeper understanding of the market, effective negotiation strategies, and the intricacies of the buying and selling process. However, be cautious of agents who might be juggling too many clients, as they may not be able to provide the personal attention you deserve.
Education
Look into the agent’s educational background. How far have they gone with their education? What type of education do they have, and what continuing education courses have they taken? Real estate is an ever-evolving field, and a commitment to ongoing education shows that the agent stays current with the latest trends, laws, and best practices.
Listing Presentation
Finally, assess the quality of the realtor’s listing presentation. Was it professional, and did it cover all necessary aspects? What services will they include, and are there additional flat fees beyond the commission percentage? Ask about the type of marketing they will do for your property. A thorough and polished presentation shows that the agent is serious about their work and committed to delivering excellent service.
By carefully evaluating these criteria, you can select a realtor who is knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to helping you achieve your real estate goals. Taking the time to choose the right agent will not only make the process smoother but also increase the likelihood of a successful transaction.
Follow Leigh Kaminsky at https://www.facebook.com/LeighKaminskyBelairMDRealtor