Choosing the right realtor is a lot like choosing the right home.
You don’t want to pick someone you’re uncomfortable with and you don’t trust. The key is to choose a broker that is confident, honest and who, you feel, is 100 per cent dedicated to getting what you want.
Remember this is your future and your dream home. One of the biggest mistakes realtors make is to manipulate the experience into being about them: how great they are, how they know everything you need, want and can afford.
Choose a realtor who never settles until you find your dream home.
Contrary to popular myth, agents are not psychics. They need to communicate with you so you can express what you want, what you can afford and what your end goal is.
The realtor can then use his/her experience and knowledge to point out options that fit your criteria and show them to you, until you “get that feeling” that you’re home.
Never let a realtor tell you what you want. That’s not their job. It’s yours. You tell, the realtor shows, and you make the decisions.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when choosing a real estate broker:
1. Experience and Knowledge
Experience and knowledge is extremely important when it comes to choosing a real estate agent. Pick someone who knows the city and area you are buying in.
Someone with glimpse into the area’s history will know things like, what the land was previously used for, past owners, posible future developments and many other things.
Furthermore, you want to make sure your realtor knows what he/she is doing when it comes down to the fine print.
2. Comfort, Trust and Reliability
Pick a realtor you’re 100 per cent comfortable around. You will be spending a lot of time home shopping with them.
It’s the same as shopping for the perfect pair of jeans. You need someone you trust will tell you what fits and looks great; someone who will be honest and tell you, “Yes, those jeans look horrible. Why not try another style?”
Your realtor should not be satisfied with you “just settling” for a home. The job is not done until you get exactly what you want. Choose someone you can relie on to do the job right.
3. Ethics and Respect
An agent should have a set of ethics. He/she is working for you and in some cases the seller as well. The bottom line should be about both buyer and seller getting what they want and need. It certainly is not about getting paid the highest percentage.
Choose an agent who works for you, not for themselves, and does their job with integrity and respect for your wishes.
Choose a realtor who will treat you like family.
4. Enjoyment and Fun
Homebuying should be fun and exciting. You are shopping for your future and your family.
Choose a realtor who lets you explore the homes he/she shows you and lets you imagine the possibilites for each and every room.
Never rush, but also never waste time if you know the house your viewing is not the right one. Enjoy the experience and the feeling of starting something new and exciting and choose a realtor who will let you soak it all up.
Let the real estate agent do the hard work, while you sit back, have fun and enjoy.
