Choosing the right Realtor is one of the most critical decisions when buying a home. A good realtor can distinguish between a smooth and successful home-buying experience and a stressful one.
How To Hire a Realtor Buying a House: Research First
Do your research first. Look for realtors in your area and read reviews from past clients. Ask for referrals from family members and friends who have recently bought or sold a home. Wendy Lahn, the Chief Legal Officer at Gustan Cho Associates, advises the following:
Once you have a list of possible realtors, schedule a meeting with them to discuss your needs and preferences. First, make sure you’re working with a licensed realtor. A license means they have the education and training to represent you during home-buying.
You can check with your state’s real estate commission to confirm your Realtor is licensed and in good standing. Next, look for a realtor with experience in the area and type of home you want to buy.
Someone who Communicates Well with a track record
It’s also essential to find a realtor who communicates well with you. You want someone who is responsive to your questions and concerns and keeps you updated throughout the buying process. A good realtor should be able to explain the home-buying process to you in a way that makes sense and helps you feel comfortable and confident as you move forward.
For example, if you’re buying a condo, you’ll want a realtor familiar with the market and the different rules and regulations. Similarly, if you’re looking to buy a historic home, you’ll want a realtor who understands the unique challenges and opportunities.
Another vital factor to consider is your Realtor’s reputation and track record. Look for recent reviews or testimonials from past clients to understand the Realtor’s strengths and weaknesses. You can also ask for contacts and speak directly with past clients to understand what working with this Realtor is like.
How To Hire a realtor buying a House: Not All Licensed Agents Are the Same
You also want to make sure you feel comfortable with your Realtor. You want someone patient, understanding, and willing to listen and work with you to find the right home for your needs and budget. Home-buying can be stressful, so having a Realtor who makes you feel assured and supported every step of the way is essential.
During the meeting, ask questions about the Realtor’s industry experience, knowledge of the local market, and communication style. You want to work with an individual who is responsive to your needs and can effectively communicate with you throughout the buying process.
Knowing the difference between a real estate agent and a realtor is important. While both are licensed to sell properties, a Realtor is a member partner of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and has agreed to follow a strict code of ethics. This means they are held to a higher standard of professionalism and integrity. Once you see a potential candidate, you can schedule a meeting with them.
What Type of Brokerage Does the Agent Work for?
Another important factor to consider when choosing a realtor is the type of brokerage they work for. Many brokerages exist, from small independent companies to large national chains. Each type of brokerage has its benefits and disadvantages; the right selection will depend on your needs and preferences. Ethel Matthews, a dually licensed realtor/mortgage loan originator at Gustan Cho Associates, advises the following on how to hire a realtor buying a house:
Additionally, consider the Realtor’s availability. Are they able to work around your schedule and accommodate your needs? If you have specific requirements for your new home, ensure the Realtor understands your needs and is committed to finding a property that meets your criteria.
An independent brokerage may be the right choice if you want a personal touch and a more customized approach. These smaller companies often specialize in specific neighborhoods or types of homes and can provide more personalized service. On another note, a national chain may be better if you’re looking for a wider selection of homes and a more established brand.
What Is the Realtor’s Communication Style?
Another important factor to contemplate when choosing a realtor is their communication style. You want to work with a Realtor who is easy to get in contact with and who will keep you advised throughout the buying process.
Other factors to consider when choosing a brokerage include their reputation, level of experience, and the services they offer. Some brokerages may offer additional services like mortgage and insurance services, which can be helpful when buying a home.
A good realtor should be responsive to your questions and concerns and should be able to provide regular updates on the progress of your home search. To understand a realtor’s communication style, try contacting them by phone or email and see how quickly they respond. You can also ask them about their preferred method of communication and how often they typically check in with clients.
The Best Way How To Hire a Realtor Buying a House
Choosing the right Realtor is a crucial part of the home-buying process. Take the time to investigate your options, ask questions, and choose someone with the experience, communication skills, availability, and personality that best fits your needs. With the right by your side, you can feel confident that you’ll find the perfect home for you and your family. Ronda Butts is a senior dually licensed realtor and loan officer at Gustan Cho Associates and has a national reputation for helping families realize their dream of homeownership become a reality:
If you should decide to buy, before you begin looking for a home and during the process, we have vast experience working with buyers to get them ready to purchase their dream home. We can take you through the entire financing process for your home loan. We also can connect you to title companies/attorneys and real estate agents in your area that can help as needed.
Call or text Ronda Butts at 407-460-7999 or email at ronda@gustancho.com for more information and further assistance. Ronda is an experienced, dually licensed real estate agent and mortgage originator. She has successfully guided many homeowners through obtaining a home on both the lending and real estate side. She does not represent buyers or sellers but offers free consultation in 48 states at Gustan Cho by connecting homeowners, buyers, and sellers to the needed sources.
