How to find the right realtor for you

Buying or selling a home is a rather complicated process. While it’s a common thing to do, it’s not something that many people partake in without the help of a real estate professional. Realtors exist to help people take on the challenge of selling their home and guide them through all of the steps so that when all is said and done, people have met their goals. It’s important to note that not all real estate agents come with the same qualifications, skillset, and communication style. Just like their potential clients, agents vary. If you’re on the lookout for a real estate agent to help you buy or sell a home, here are some tips to go about doing so. 

Do Your Research 

When it comes to searching agents, there are a lot of ways to go about doing so, especially given the amount of technology that we have at our fingertips. You can start by reaching out to friends and family who have hired a real estate agent and see if they have recommendations. Additionally, you can leverage your social media platforms, like Facebook, to see who people recommend. 

Today, many people will use Google to search for realtors in their area and then read up on the agent via their website or own social media page. There are also several websites that will help you connect with real estate agents and will also give you some details on their experience. During your research, make a note of all the agents who stood out. 

Create a List of Criteria 

Before you begin reaching out to agents, you’ll want to have a list of the criteria you are looking for in an agent so that when it comes to interviewing, you already know what to ask. Your criteria will be based on your current situation, so look deep into what you will need from your agent.

Here are a few examples:

• Communication style 
• Selling/Buying a specific style of house
• Years of experience
• Success stories
• Details on their CMA (comparative market analysis) 
• Connections with other professionals (i.e. staging companies)
• Experience with a home value estimator

These examples, along with whatever you feel is necessary to ask, are pertinent to bring to your interview. 

Interview Agents

Once you have your list of researched agents and questions to ask them, it’s time to set up interviews. Reach out to them for phone or video interviews and begin learning about them in a more personalized setting. When finding the right Realtor for you, remember that this person will be guiding you through a very monumental step in your life. Good rapport and trust are just as important as them checking all of the boxes. During your interviews, jot down what you like and what you don’t like about each agent. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about any of the concerns you had during the interview as well! 

Once you go through these motions and interview several agents, now is the time to choose the person who fits the bill. They should have a communication style similar to yours and should be someone who you trust. Buying and selling will feel stress-free with the right agent by your side!