How to Find the Perfect Realtor: The Perfect Realtor For You

How to find the perfect realtor may mean finding the person who is the perfect realtor for you. There are realtors and then there are realtors. How perfect they are or will prove to be, may depend upon your perception of them, as well as how successful they are in terms of selling your home or property.

The article, “How to choose a real estate agent” suggests that “The decision to buy or sell a home is one of the most important financial decisions most people make, yet many give little thought to finding the real estate agent best suited to their needs.”

Is there such a thing as a perfect realtor?

“You won't have to worry too much about finding an agent - you do need to worry about finding a good one."

Consider the following tips for finding the perfect realtor:

Start searching for a realtor immediately:

Begin looking for a professional realtor as soon as you decide to sell. There are many real estate agencies and realtors listed in flyers, magazines, newspapers or you may prefer to conduct an online search. Ask your family and friends for referrals to real estate agencies. Word of mouth often comes up with a good recommendation, but not always, so be cautious.

Consider different realtors:

When you start to look for a realtor, consider a different realtor than the one everyone else in the neighborhood knows, especially if he or she is not getting good results. Ideally, try to find someone who you relate to well and will be seriously committed to the sale of your home. The perfect realtor for someone else you know may prove to be ideal for you too, but it does not always work that way.

Personal and business references:

When you think you have found the perfect realtor, ask him or her for personal and business references. Spend time dialoguing together. Check the realtor's background with the company he or she works for, to make certain he or she has a valid, real estate license before signing anything. How long has he or she been selling real estate? How successful has he or she been?  Does he or she have other listings and sales?

Real estate fees:

Real estate fees can vary depending upon whether the realtor is an independent broker or works for a real estate company. Check for realtor’s fees, listing fees, other up-front fees, as well as legal fees, etc. For example, will there be extra fees for photos, advertising, online publication of your listing, etc?  

The availability of your realtor:

When you are selling your home or property, you need someone to work closely with you, in conjunction with your hours of availability. Does he or she reside or work in your area? How convenient is it for him or her to show your home? Will you need to be there? Will your realtor show your home when it is convenient for you and your family? Does the realtor want you and your family to go somewhere else when he or she is showing your home?

Personality issues:

Your personality and that of your realtor should not clash. The realtor’s honesty and integrity are crucial. You need to be able to trust your realtor implicitly, as he or she will be in and out of your home with others, perhaps many times. Is your real estate agent kind, polite and considerate with you, your family and others? How important is punctuality to him or her? Does he or she speak well of your home? Are you able to work out dates for showing your home and open houses without conflict?

Marketing tactics:

Marketing tactics can make or break a real estate sale. Is your realtor overly persuasive when it comes to marketing tactics like pricing or listing? Is he or she pleasant and fun to work with? Do you enjoy his or her company? This can reduce the stress on you and your family with respect to the potential sale of your home or property. Be aware that some realtors have unusual, but effective selling techniques that others may not have considered, but they do get results.

Sale closure:

Is your real estate agent able to close a sale? Perhaps you need to seek a second opinion before agreeing to anything. Any real estate transaction must be legal and carried out in a timely manner. It is not enough for a realtor just to show your home or property, although he or she may do an excellent job of that. Sale closure completes the transaction.

Dates regarding the sale and moving:

When you are ready to finalize the sale of your home or property, the real estate agent should be able to work out something between both parties in terms of dates and times. Having compatible, timely dates that work in your favor are important, especially if you are purchasing another home. Remember that your realtor works for you not the other party, although a good realtor can usually work things out. Is he or she willing to do that?

These are just a few of the things that will help you to determine whether your real estate agent is the perfect realtor for you. You may be lucky with your choice of a realtor, but if not, find another agent. It can save you many headaches later. Hopefully, you have found the perfect realtor already!