A home is a significant investment. Buying or selling one is a huge deal. So, whether you’re purchasing or selling one, you want to get the best deal possible. Working with a realtor can facilitate this. A good realtor can help you purchase a home at a bargain or sell one for a tidy sum.
But nowadays, with so many realtors to pick from, picking a suitable one isn’t a simple task. In 2019, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) had a membership of 1.4 million, an increase of 40 percent from 2012. And in Florida, the number of realtors nearly tripled from 67,000 in 2000 to more than 180,000 in 2020. With all these realtors to choose from, how do you identify an ideal one? Here are eight tips you should consider.
1. Use Referrals
Friends, family, and colleagues are a great place to start when looking for a realtor. When you’re digging for information about the realtor, ensure you unearth as much as possible. Ask particular questions on how the service was and things they liked or disliked about the realtor.
2. Conduct Research
Nowadays, we have a wealth of information at our disposal. Before you settle on a realtor referred to you, Google them. Scour their social media. Skim through their website. Read any online reviews or testimonials. What you find can help you evaluate whether the realtor will be the right match for you.
3. Choose A Professional
The words broker, agent, and realtor are often substituted for one another. But they aren’t the same. A realtor is typically registered with the National Association of Realtors (NAR). NAR members are bound by a strict code of ethics that they have to adhere to in their dealings.
4. Experience Level
Experience matters when choosing a realtor. It doesn’t always guarantee quality, but seasoned realtors usually know more about the real estate market than novice realtors.
5. Personality
Experience level can be a deal-breaker when choosing a realtor. But don’t prioritize experience and ignore everything else. It’s an excellent attribute, but it’s not everything. Since you’ll likely spend plenty of time with your realtor, you want to select someone relatable. Therefore, you should choose someone you genuinely like.
6. Go Local
Preferably, you want to pick a realtor who is knowledgeable about the local area. Realtors who specialize in a particular area are likely to have in-depth information on things like the area’s amenities, community, and taxes. Information is power. So, whether you’re purchasing or selling, information on the local area is essential.
7. Flexibility
Real estate is a fast-paced sector. A listing that is listed today could be gone by tomorrow if you don’t act quickly. Therefore, you’ll want to pick a realtor with a flexible schedule. The realtor should also be readily available via your preferred communication channels. Choosing a readily available agent can influence how fast you’re able to buy or sell a property.
8. Client-Base
The client base is closely related to flexibility. A realtor who only works with a few clients at a time can dedicate more time towards helping you buy or sell a home. Conversely, a realtor who works with many clients at a time may be hard-pressed for time. With that in mind, you should choose a realtor who only focuses on a few clients at a time.
With numerous realtors to choose from, choosing the right one can be mind-boggling. But it doesn’t have to be. If you do some research and follow the tips above, you’ll find your perfect match.
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