HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT REALTOR FOR YOUR HOME

A capable realtor can make all the difference in today’s hyper-competitive real estate market. You want someone you can trust and feel at ease with. Someone who will look out for your best interests throughout the process. If you’re a buyer, an agent who operates in the neighborhood of your choice. An agent would most likely lead you to the correct house at the right price, on time, and within your budget. If you’re a seller, a trusted guide who will get you the right market price and sell the property on time.

More than two million people in the United States have real estate licenses, and it is their job to know everything there is to know about the properties in their neighborhood. They keep track of real estate trends and assist others with buying and selling property. There are numerous real estate agents available. So, how do you make your decision? Request recommendations from your friends, but don’t choose an agent only based on good evaluations.

• Seek advice from friends and family members who have recently purchased or sold a home.
• Look for real estate agency signs in your neighborhood.
• Attend open houses and try if you can make a connection with a realtor.
• Make a call to the best real estate firms in your area.

THINGS NEED TO CONSIDER IF YOU ARE BUYING:

• Get pre-approval: A mortgage pre-approval is essential since it will help you narrow down your price range when looking for a new home. You don’t want to waste time looking at  that are out of your price range.
• Recognize the steps involved in obtaining a mortgage loan: For first-time homebuyers, this is crucial. A down payment (approximately 20% is ideal) and earnest money—a deposit that can be allocated to closing fees or the down payment once your bid on a home is accepted—should be included in your budget. You’ll also have to factor in the cost of annual property taxes and insurance. The last two you’ll probably put into an escrow account as part of your monthly mortgage payment.
• Make a list of your top housing priorities: Know what kind of home you want, what characteristics you require, and what features you would like to have. If you haven’t already, familiarize yourself with the towns and neighborhoods where you want to live.

THINGS NEED TO CONSIDER IF YOU ARE SELLING:

• Begin looking for an agency as soon as possible: Consult with the realtor before making any renovations to know the real worth of your home. You may budget and prepare for repairs that will pay for themselves and allow you to receive the best price possible. So make sure you talk to a listing agent months and up to a year before you sell.
• Get your home in order: If your home is messy, you’ll need to declutter before putting it on the market. Clear away boxes and outdated furniture.

STEPS TO FIND THE RIGHT REALTOR:

After you’ve acquired the names of a few agents, you’ll need to narrow the field down by looking at certain characteristics. When hiring a real estate agent, keep the following points in mind.

1. Realtor Should Have Strong experience

According to National Association of Realtors (NAR), members have an average of eight years of experience. However, the experience of every realtor varies with their market niche. Select a realtor that not only has strong experience, but also has relevant experience in selling the type of property that you are trying to sell or in finding the right homes for sale according to your needs at your price.

2. Realtor Should Have Certifications that are relevant

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) offers a variety of real estate certifications that lead to designations such as Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) (SRS). These show that the agent has completed further training and education. Working with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) may be beneficial to senior individuals who are trying to sell or purchase a home.

3. Technical and Marketing Skills.

Most consumers browse for houses online before visiting a property for sale.  A selling agent must know how to make a good first impression. The listing’s photographs, videos, and descriptive writing must stand out on several sites, including the brokerage’s website and consumer-focused sites like Zillow and Redfin. As a buyer, you’ll want an agent who can find newly listed residences as quickly as possible and who has the resources to find  for sale that aren’t promoted through traditional channels. 

4. Personal Attentiveness Level

You must determine whether you want to work with a single agent or a group of two or more agents. An agency team should ideally collaborate so that someone is always there to assist you when you need it. On the other hand, some people choose to work with a single agent  to develop a relationship with someone who will be there for them every step of the process.

5. Contracts and Promises

You’ll sign a listing agreement with a listing agent when you employ them, which usually lasts two to six months. Commissions vary but are typically around 6% of the purchase price, with the buyer’s agent receiving half of the commission. It’s also crucial to be certain that your agent is working in your best interests. In some circumstances, the buyer and seller in a transaction are represented by the same agent from the same firm. For purchasers, this could be a source of concern: is your agent striving to get you the best deal possible, or is he or she pushing for a greater commission?

Your realtor will be your partner through a significant financial event. Do thorough research on the realtors that you have narrowed down to ensure that they’re capable, trustworthy and reliable. Make sure you’ve gotten answers to all your queries. And don’t settle; this is one area where personal recommendations can make a big difference.