How to Find a Good Realtor

August 19th, 2009 by Mike

Buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions a consumer will ever undertake. Partnering with a Realtor who’ll help navigate real estate frustrations can eliminate a lot of the stress of handling property, but only if the Realtor is attentive, savvy, and creative. Here are some ways to shortlist a huge selection of Realtors in an area to find one who will work best for you.

If you’re thinking of selling a home, rather than searching Realtor.com for any agent who operates in your geographic area, do a drive-by of neighborhoods comparable to your own and look for houses marked “For Sale.” Keep an eye peeled specifically for houses that are similar in size and appearance to yours and have the same approximate lot size.

While you can certainly search for comparable listings online, what you can’t tell from the internet is the feel of the surrounding neighborhood. The house itself may be stunning in its pictures, but the houses immediately adjacent could be derelict. When you find a comparable home, stop the car and take a flier from the sign. The Realtor selling the house should be listed on the flier. Contact that Realtor and let them know you have a house to sell that similar. Although their first priority may be to sell the similar house they’ve already been contracted for, they may have associates working with them that have clients eager to see houses in the same price range.

Word of mouth advertising can either make or break a Realtor. If a consumer has a bad experience, they’re certainly going to spread the news around to their friends and family. Therefore it makes sense to consult people in your network to learn about excellent Realtors who may not need to advertise heavily. Usually, being able to tell a Realtor that a person by a specific name referred you will get you VIP treatment. A good Realtor will understand they have a reputation to uphold. At the very least, if they can’t help you – they won’t harm you and will give you guidance of who else you can consult for your real estate search or sale.

Whether you’re buying or selling, you should complete at least a short Realtor interview to determine if the particular agent will suit your needs. A Realtor may be a rock star at sales, but if they’re a poor communicator who doesn’t inform their clients about what’s going on in their search or sale the client may feel like they’ve been placed on the back burner (even when they haven’t). The interview will help you identify what the Realtor’s style is and how far they’re willing to go to make you happy.

Prepare your list of questions in advance of your meeting or telephone conference and highlight what your must-haves and deal-breakers are. Will they come to your home and make suggestions on quick ways to improve your property for sale? Will they put you in contact with reputable contractors who can improve your home quickly and inexpensively? Are they forthright about how much house you can really afford and in what neighborhoods? Do they sound confident in their ability to sell your house or find you one to buy that’s in your budget? It’s okay to ask for references if you’re having a hard time making a decision, and any business-minded Realtor won’t balk at you asking.

Remember, a Realtor is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. They have met additional requirements to use that designation and are committed to their strict code of ethics. Chances are, you’ll learn a lot from any agent who carries that title. Your job is to find one whose personality you click with and who is excited to sell or search for your type of home. Make your expectations clear upfront and find the Realtor who’ll confidently promise to meet them!