21 Jul Choosing the Right Realtor
Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, choosing the right realtor can make a huge difference. Although you don’t technically have to have a realtor to do either one of these things, it can be very beneficial to have the help of someone who is trained and educated in all the ins and outs of the buying and selling processes. With the tips listed below, you should have no trouble finding the perfect realtor for whichever stage of the home owning process you may be experiencing now.
Ask around: If you know people in your area who have recently bought or sold a home, talk to them about the realtors they’ve worked with. Chances are good you’ll be able to get a solid referral from a friend or family member. On the other hand, if you’re new to the area or looking to move to a place where you don’t know anyone, check out reviews online. You can find a variety of different sites that offer reviews and “grades” for realtors in your area.
Understand the difference between a realtor and a real estate agent: Just because someone is a real estate agent doesn’t necessarily mean that person is a realtor. A realtor is someone who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. This means that that person must stick to the rules and guidelines set out by this organization. It also means that the realtor you’re working with is likely to be ethical, fair, and willing to help you every step of the way.
Ask about your realtor’s price range: Some realtors are better at finding homes in certain price ranges than others. If you’re looking for a home in the $200,000 price range, for example, you probably don’t want to work with a realtor who usually only shows million-dollar homes. That realtor simply isn’t going to have the expertise in the budget you’re looking for. The same is true, too, however; if you’re wanting to buy an expensive home, it’s a good idea to go with a realtor who has some experience selling homes with a higher price tag.
Don’t settle on the first realtor you meet: You may not connect with the first realtor you talk to, and that’s okay. You might not like how pushy that particular realtor is, or you may just feel like he or she isn’t focused on the kind of must-haves you’re looking for in your home. For whatever reason, if your first realtor leaves you wanting a little more, don’t be afraid to try out some others and talk to several before you settle on someone to work with. You’ll be able to find the perfect realtor to help you locate the home of your dreams in no time.
I’ve been helping home buyer and sellers with their real estate needs in the west valley for over 12 years. As part of The Sibbach Team we pride ourselves on being a market leader. We continue to learn and become educated thru extensive and on-going training, field research, open mindedness and client feedback to deliver a superior client experience.