Buying or selling your home is a big deal! It’s not every day that you get to make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Knowing this, I have come up with a list of items that you should be mindful of when working with a Realtor. This way you can optimize your experience, and your Realtor can do their best!
1. Choose the right Realtor
You’re the one in the interview seat! I highly recommend that you interview a couple of different Realtors that you have already done your research on. In this day in age, you can find out a lot about a Realtor by simply checking out their Facebook, or Instagram account. What should you be looking for? Someone that aligns with who you are. It helps to have something in common with your Realtor as you are going to be spending a lot of time with them on a very big, personal purchase or sale.
Once you have chosen your Realtor, it’s important to commit. Unless they aren’t doing their job. Then you have a right to decline your Realtor. However, if you’re working productively with them, ensure that you’re consistently working with only them. When you see a home you’d like to view, don’t call the listing agent. Reach out to the Realtor you have chosen. When going to an open house, bring your Realtor with you, or be transparent that you’re going to that open house without them.
Committing to just one Realtor gives them the opportunity to focus extensively on your purchasing goals.
2. Be specific
So you have chosen a Realtor that is working for you. Now is the time to give them all the details including getting pre-approved. Find out what kind of product you can afford and want. When you hop online and find your dream home, give your Realtor the address AND MLS number if you can. Along with your product description, be sure to let your realtor know your expectations. How many homes do you want to see in a week? Where are you at with regard to your knowledge of your preferred product? To relay this information, phone calls or in-person meetings are important, but so are emails and text messaging. Having a record of your discussions will only help your Realtor assist you better.
3. Understand the scope
Although Realtors are not lawyers, engineers or accountants, they can definitely do their due diligence in getting you in touch with someone that is. Just because a Realtor doesn’t know the answer on the spot, doesn’t mean they don’t know what they’re doing. A professional Realtor will hunt down someone that does know what you’re asking and get you the right information!
4. When NOT to vacation
It’s a very bad idea to go travelling in the middle of your transaction. It can jeopardize the entire process, and you could lose your offer all together! Be open with your schedule. If you have plans to go on a holiday over the next couple of months, let your Realtor know, so you can work out a schedule that best meets your purchasing needs.
5. Realtors are human just like you!
Chances are your Realtor has family, friends or even a gym membership! Your Realtor needs a good work-life balance in order for them to be their best during your transaction. A good Realtor will be open with you on their hours of operation. Make sure you give them their personal time just as you would with any other professionals you work with.
6. Understanding “commission”
The unspoken myth of commission - Realtors make ‘too much.’ Well, after brokerage fees and an extensive marketing plan, Realtors can make a living. However, they don’t make any profit until the closing phase of a transaction.
I chose to become a Realtor because I love to collaborate with my clients in every aspect of their transaction. I enjoy being a part of an emotional, yet exciting life phase whether it’s closing one chapter by selling your home, or opening another by purchasing your home. If I have done a good job with assisting you through that phase, then I receive compensation. I don’t receive any compensation until you are satisfied, and your transaction is closed.
It’s important to be open and honest with your Realtor if you ever find yourself unsatisfied with your experience. Give them feedback on what is bothering you. A professional Realtor will take that feedback in stride, and try their best to find an alternative that works best for you and your goals.