When looking for a new home or trying to sell your old house, you can always turn it into a do-it-yourself project. However, with all of the intricate moving details you already need to worry about, it may be a smart idea to hire a realtor. You should look for a high quality representative who knows the ins and outs of where you are and where you and your family want to be. Here is Ryan Homes at Brunswick Crossing’s guide to choosing the right realtor:
Honesty is the best policy. This life saying goes for picking out a realtor, too. Even if you have one price in your mind, a good realtor may offer a different suggestion, factoring in things that you never thought of. You will want to hire someone who is interested in you and your home, not just making a sale.
Ask for references. A good realtor will not mind showing you some references of recent sales and customers. Trusting word of mouth and a lot of experience are not the best strategies when it comes to choosing a realtor, so rely on the numbers and facts, but also remember: Quality over quantity. You should also consider choosing a realtor with a reasonable commission. Negotiate with multiple realtors to find what is best for you and your wallet.
Pick a winner. There are a lot of qualities that make up a good realtor, including their reputation and certifications. When looking up the licensing of your local realtors, check with your state’s regulatory board to see if there have been any misconducts, disciplinary actions or complaints. Another good tell-tale is if your agent has a “Realtor of the Year” award designated by the local branch of the National Association of Realtors. This honor is given by peers, so it is a big endorsement for realtors.
Question their local knowledge. If you prefer to hire a local realtor, make sure they know their surroundings. Ask them at least these 2 questions: What other homes are listed near mine? What other homes do you currently have on the market? Your realtor should know your competition and their history off the top of their head, so they can quote you with an accurate price range. Do not be afraid to negotiate and ask for an upfront marketing plan.
Use connections. Let us face it, it is a who-you-know world, and the small world of realtors is no different. A great realtor has connections to the best mortgage officers, house inspectors, maintenance workers and other useful people that will help you sell or buy a home for the best price possible.
Sign the best contract. Your realtor should be on-hand and full-time, so contract them for about 60 to 90 days. You do not want your house sitting on the market for longer than that timeframe, so make sure your agent has a marketing plan for your home right away.
Instead of self-selling or buying on your own, it can be a wise investment to find a good realtor with expertise in your area. To do so, make sure you interview multiple agents, ask for their references and honesty as well as their credentials and any awards. Ask them about the area surrounding your home or the area where you would like to move, and use their connections to find the best of the best in everything from home inspections to movers. Once you have found The One, negotiate the best contract between the two of you.
