CHOOSING THE RIGHT REALTOR

CHOOSING THE RIGHT REALTOR

Although this can seem like quite the daunting task, it needn’t be.  There are several factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing the right agent to represent you:

EXPERIENCE: How long has the agent been in the business? Although length in the business is a good determining factor for your choice, very often some people take to the business like ducks to water, so as long as they have several transactions under their belt, use the other factors to make a final determination.

Do they have enough experience to represent your needs? An agent should be knowledgeable of the local area and market place, recent sales, listings, and activity in the area are of paramount importance.

AGENCY: When listing a house for sale, generally a larger agency with good market share is the way to go. However, some people do, indeed, prefer smaller agencies for what is perceived as a more personal touch.  The bottom line is getting the property sold; the more exposure the better.  In this day and age of instant information and communication, however, making sure your agency is a member of the local multiple listing service is the place to start, though most are. A lot of your choice will depend on personal preference.

ATTITUDE/DEMEANOR:  Let’s face it, whether listing or buying real estate, you and your agent are going to have LOTS of interaction! Make sure you can, at the very least, tolerate their personality and demeanor. A “take no hostages” approach to all negotiations, delivered however, in a velvet glove is a good trait for an agent to exhibit. A sense of humor, PARTICULARLY if you are house hunting (you’re going to be spending lots of time together in cars, alone, trapped!) is also a good trait. For all intents and purposes, you’re going to be “married” to your agent until the transaction closes! Then after that, friends!

These are just some guidelines to think about when choosing.  Not unlike finding the right house, when you find the right agent, YOU’LL KNOW IT! Interview agents until the right one comes along; a primary home is generally the largest single investment anyone has or acquires and it’s sale or purchase needs to be taken seriously and put in the hands of someone you can trust! “WOULD YOU BUY A HOUSE FROM THIS PERSON?”