So, you’re thinking about hiring a realtor. Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step towards getting the house of your dreams. But before you seal the deal and sign on the dotted line, there are some things you need to consider. After all, not all real estate agents are created equal.
Knowledge & Experience
The most important thing you should look for when hiring a realtor is knowledge and experience. How long have they been in the business? Do they know your neighborhood inside and out? What credentials do they have? It’s also helpful to talk to their past clients to get an idea of what working with them was like. A good realtor will be able to answer all of these questions easily and confidently (with references, if needed).
Personality & Communication Style
It’s also important to find a realtor whose personality and communication style meshes well with yours. Are they easy to talk to? Do you feel comfortable asking them questions or disagreeing with their advice? The best way of assessing this is by having multiple conversations with them—in person or over the phone—and seeing how it goes. If you don’t feel 100% comfortable after your initial talks, it’s probably best to keep looking for someone else who better fits your needs.
Local Connections & Resources
Finally, make sure that your potential realtor has ties to local resources that can help throughout the homebuying process (such as mortgage lenders and lawyers). This could be invaluable in helping you close on your dream home faster and more efficiently than if you went at it alone. A good realtor will be able to provide these resources up front so that there are no surprises down the road.
Finding the right realtor is key when buying or selling a home. While it may seem like an overwhelming process, being informed and asking the right questions can make it much easier. Look for knowledge and experience, assess their personality and communication style, and make sure they have strong ties with local resources that can help throughout the process. Doing these three things will give you peace of mind knowing that you’ve hired someone who knows their stuff—and more importantly, someone who can help get you into (or out of) your dream home as quickly as possible! Good luck!