Ini Mini Miny Mo: How To Hire A Realtor ® in San Diego, CA
We are not all the same. We have varied skills, training and experience
and personalities need to match-chemistry needs to be there.
You Realtor can end up being a great relationship in your life, like the family doctor; you may not always need us, but isn't nice to know that we're there when you do? And we know you and how best to serve you too!
First and foremost, this advice may possibly work in other parts of CA and the US & Canada too! 
I also emphasize hiring a Realtor®. There are as many sales agents and licensee's that do not belong to the National Association of Realtors®, as do belong to NAR; only a member can be called a Realtor®. To me it matters because of the Realtor Code Of Ethics; they represent that I plan to be competent, ethical and put your needs before mine Mr & Mrs. Buyer/Seller.
How To Hire A Realtor in San Diego, CA
- Whenever possible, get a referral to a Realtor from someone you trust-someone that actually either used them or refers them through networking often with them. Agents work even harder when referred, they have two parties to impress: the referral source and the referral themselves. If they value the referral and your business, it shows up in their efforts.
- The Realtors you consider should have an online presence: website, social media, blog, videos, online reviews, etc. Especially if they are being interviewed to list your home. If your home is not online in 2017, it's not for sale. If your agent isn't online, where will your home be?
- Is Your Agent tech savvy? Like it or not, smart phones, Apps, online tools and marketing technology are expected basics for today's Realtor; not only to save time and create convenience, but to maximize your opportunities to get in early on a purchase or maximize your home's exposure to sell for the highest and best price.
- In order to take my next piece of advice, you need to do this: trust your gut. The Realtor that serves you should feel like placing your hand in a glove that fits well. If your fight or flight alarms are going off, time to interview more agents. You should feel heard, some sense of a level of care and a belief in the competence this agent offers in experience and ability. Typically good people refer good people, see #1
- Does the Realtor you're about to hire own real estate? Do they know what it's like to go through what you are about to go through? If you are investing, have they bought investment property? Now, I concede some agents may be in between homes due to divorce or other understandable circumstances, but at one time they did own, they do know. It makes a difference in the advice you receive when a homeowner is selling you a home.
- Does this agent know the geographic area you plan to buy in? Have they bought and sold there for their clients? Do they have experience in the type of property you plan to buy: manufactured homes vs. condos vs. rental property, etc. By the way, just because they live in a neighborhood, doesn't automatically qualify them as an area expert, there's more to this process.
- Are they good communicators, have people skills, proficient negotiators, problem solvers and marketing experts?
- Are you using residential Realtor for residential purchases and Commercial Realtor for Commercial purchases? They are completely different worlds!
- Invest in the Realtor (the relationship), before you buy/sell the property. If you invest into the relationship with your agent, you will get better service. Your commitment and honesty is relished by a great agent and when you give it out in slices, it comes back in loaves through the service you'll receive. We simply work better when we feel connected to our clients and in touch with their needs and wants.
- Be clear with your agent one this criteria: budget, time frames, special needs, unique deal killers (no homes near cemeteries for example), needs from a home, wants in a home, past experience if any with buying, selling or even likes and dislikes from working with a previous agent.
- There are discount brokers out there, but lowering a fee is not a skill, it's a lack of skill. If they won't fight for their fee, what makes you think they'll fight for yours? Defend your asking price, negotiate your purchase price down, get you better terms and treat your money like it's their money. But if they don't treat their money well...you do the math.
- Hiring a Realtor is like dating. There should be a feeling of mutual chemistry, a sense of "I can spend time with this guy or gal for the next 90 days or more". Hopefully they serve you in a way that you see a long term future. They put your needs ahead of their own,m the listen and they communicate i.e. stay in touch. They should not be pushy, a go getter yes, but not pushy or impatient with you. To go back to our dating vernacular: "It's never a good idea to show up on your first date with flowers and a motel key."
I refer Realtors!
Oh by th wya...If you need to connect to a quality agent, anywhere in the US or Canada, I'm 18 years into meeting in person with and networking online with well trained, quality Realtors from all over the US & Canada. I'm happy to refer you to a great agent anywhere in North America! AND I'm never too busy for your San Diego bound referrals !
1. Image courtesy of fantasista at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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