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How To Choose A Realtor

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Real Estate Teammates BK3322137

How do you decide what doctor delivers your baby, what mechanic fixes your car or what athletic coach teaches your child to succeed in the sport of their choice? Every day we are faced with the decision to use a “professional”. How often have we made the wrong choice based on lack of knowledge or time to do the proper research and the result has costed us more money and sometimes worse.

Choosing the right “professional” to assist us with the selling or buying process of a home, one of the largest investments you’ll ever make, is just as important, don’t you think? I have heard so many times how my Realtor didn’t do this or didn’t do that. My first response is generally “how did you find your Realtor and what made you choose them to assist you with such a big and important step in your future? The answers vary, but the decision process is generally the same. Most don’t know that there are Realtors and then there are realtors. The National Association of Realtors only allows its members to use the designation. Its members are not only bound by a “code of ethics”, but, care enough about their profession and most of all their clients to stay educated and knowledgeable about the Real Estate Industry. When you see Green, SFR, SRES, ABR and so many more abbreviations it means that Realtor takes the time to go back to school to educate themselves more in depth to better help their clients successfully

When selling your home it’s important to choose a Realtor with a strong client base and marketing plan, for example, my sphere of influence is well over 5000. That means that when I list your home everyone in my email, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. will be immediately notified and a large portion are also my fellow Realtors who also have large spheres of influence that then become notified. This is in addition to spending marketing dollars to those we don’t know. My “Tool Box” also includes professional cleaning, photographer and staging at no additional cost.

When buying a home, you don’t want someone to show you houses, you want a Realtor that knows the market and can negotiate a price that makes sense for the home size and location and understands your needs, wants and desires enough to find YOU your “Dream Home”! I have a list of very satisfied buyers I can share with you.

 

So, with that being said, my advice to you is don’t choose a Realtor because it’s your neighbor, sister In-law, nephew, friends, brother, but choose a Realtor because you believe they are going to work hard for YOU and take their profession and YOU serious enough to do what’s in YOUR “Best Interest” and has the knowledge and skill to do so!

Comments (7)

Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Interviewing potential real estate agents, asking friends and families and acquaintances for referrals, are all better ideas than just picking a name and going.

Jul 17, 2015 09:14 PM
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Good morning Ed Macias,

Nice post on choosing a real estate agent; most agents specially those starting do care about the customer more so than the ones with experience. I am just glad that I was given a chance when I first started. Nine years and counting:)

Jul 17, 2015 11:00 PM
Brigita McKelvie, Associate Broker
Cindy Stys Equestrian and Country Properties, Ltd. - Lehigh Valley, PA
The Broker with horse sense and no horsing around

Ed,

I have lost a few listings because the Seller decided to use their relative that is in the business.  Just because they are related does not make them better at their job.  The relatives should go through the interview process, also.  The Seller should make sure the best person for the job is hired.

Brigita

Jul 17, 2015 11:47 PM
Thomas F. Scanlon
Borgida & Company P. C., CPA's - Manchester, CT
CPA, CFP

Good morning Ed, well done. Like the items in your toolbox. People buy services based on perception and end up with reality.

Cheers,

Tom

Jul 17, 2015 11:55 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I have been interviewed however most people really don't know what to ask or understand what they asking. I usually hi-jack the interview at that point...Results follow

Jul 18, 2015 12:30 AM
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

I often find that people use whoever they find first. My experience with other agents sometimes makes me scratch my head...how do some of these agents keep getting clients? 

Jul 18, 2015 11:21 AM
James (Jim) Lawson, DBA
DomainRealty.com LLC - Bonita Springs, FL
Broker Associate, RSPS, BPOR, HI & PE

Your points are well-taken Ed. I would add, choose an agent where you both work well together.

Jul 20, 2015 03:32 PM