The real estate industry could be a confusing, elaborate puzzle at times. Individuals dealing with real estate transactions often find themselves taking the beating. Since real estate transactions involve two faces, the property seller and buyer, one will strive to garner more benefits than the other.
To ensure that you'll get the most from such transactions, collaborating with real estate professionals, specifically a Realtor, would be an excellent advantage when selling your property. A Realtor speeds up the selling process and could secure you a higher price. They could also assist homebuyers in finding the perfect home with a better negotiation.
Finding A Realtor
While these are the main responsibilities of a Realtor, note that they have varying skills and personalities as well. Also, finding a Realtor who meets your standards could prove tricky if they are located in a distant city.
Thus, consider the following tips and reminders to find the best agent near you:
1. Reminder: Know The Difference
Before starting with your Realtor hunt, you should be aware of the difference between a Realtor and a real estate agent. While they're both real estate professionals, most individuals mistakenly associate them synonymously.
First, every Realtor is a real estate agent, but not all real estate agents can be labeled as Realtors. A real estate agent is a professional who oversees the buying and selling procedure of properties.
Second, Realtors have taken a step further than agents. Realtors pertain to active members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). They're not only real estate agents, but can be a managing broker, broker-associate, an exclusive buyer's agent, and more. The term 'Realtor' is often capitalized as a registered trademark by NAR, meaning no one could call themselves a Realtor if they're not NAR members.
2. Do Your Homework!
Since real estate is a competitive industry, prioritize tangible data and numbers in selecting a Realtor. Look into their sales performance and ratings because these figures don't lie. Those with higher performance and satisfaction ratings objectively indicate that they're excellent at what they do.
If you don't know where to look for one, consider looking for realtors in your area based on sales performance. Additionally, you can search for online reviews and feedback if a specific Realtor has an online profile.
3. Look Into Their Availability
Undoubtedly, the most skilled in the industry is also the most booked due to high demands. No matter how qualified they are, hiring a Realtor with conflicting availability will only cause a great deal of inconvenience on both sides. Thus, check their schedules and available working hours if they would sync with yours.
Cooperation is an essential element between a seller-Realtor or buyer-Realtor relationship. Keep in mind that your Realtor serves as your advocate during your transactions, so it's paramount that you're both on the same page.
Additionally, a Realtor with an assistant or team is a plus. Despite their numerous commitments, these Realtors could guarantee that they'll allot their time and attend to your needs since they have assistance with their job.
4. Attend Open Houses
A real estate open house is indeed an open opportunity for real estate professionals, sellers, and buyers because of the significant benefits of attending them. Essentially, anyone can visit an open house for a specified amount of time. During these events, real estate possibilities and opportunities could occur.
Attending an open house while searching for a Realtor allows both of you to meet each other in a non-intimidating environment. Also, observe how they present the property and how they make an impression. Some qualities that a Realtor should have during an open house are:
- Presentable and professional-looking
- Approachable and friendly
- Highly informative
- Presents a comprehensive tour around the property
5. Ask Referrals From Neighborhood Or Friends
Referrals through word-of-mouth are powerful and influential. Since you're looking for a Realtor near your place, it's better to ask for recommendations from people living in your neighborhood. Asking homeowners who have completed transactions can help you decide better from their firsthand experiences.
Furthermore, you can ask your friends' and colleagues' suggestions, especially if you're a first-time homebuyer and don't know anyone in your neighborhood. These trusted people can take part in your property buying journey.
6. Make A List And Meet Them Personally
Once you have accomplished different ways of finding a Realtor, compile all their names on a list and set up a one-on-one meeting with your candidates. However, ensure that you'll arrange an interview only with your top choices to avoid wasting time. Ideally, choose two to three Realtors and set an appointment ahead of time. Those who refuse to communicate during this initial step should raise a red flag with you.
Your first meeting can tell a lot about your potential relationship with a Realtor. During the interview, get to know your Realtor on a more personal level. You can start by explaining your needs, preferences, budget, and availability. See how it goes from there.
The Verdict
Hiring Realtors for your real estate negotiation is an advantageous move for property buyers and sellers. In the United States, only half of real estate agents are licensed as Realtors, so be sure you're talking to the right professional. When choosing the best real estate professionals near you, consider these tips discussed to bring home the best deals.
