Finding the right REALTOR®
People are not clones. Neither are REALTORS®.
And that’s a good thing. REALTORS® come in all shapes, sizes, ages, genders, colors, orientations, and personality types. And different REALTORS® have different areas of expertise.
So, how do you find the right one? Well, when choosing the agent that is right for you, it’s important to think like an interviewer.
What traits are you looking for? What are the signs that someone might be a good match and has the required experience to meet your specific needs?
Let’s start with passion and the willingness to give 100 percent. That commitment to follow through is what you want from your REALTOR®.
If you know you want to live in a certain neighborhood, it may be best to search for an agent with a strong track record in that neighborhood – someone who knows the ins and outs down to the granular level.
This means you also want a REALTOR® familiar with all the data about the local market – whether you are buying or selling. Good instincts are crucial, sure, but your agent needs to be armed with facts as well.
Regardless of age, your agent needs to be tech-savvy. Connections also matter. Does the REALTOR® have good relationships with mortgage brokers, insurance people, and home inspectors, handymen that can make affordable repairs, and stagers or have the expertise to handle staging herself?
If response time matters to you, get that established on the front end, too. Ask if there is an associate available to help in the event your REALTOR® is unreachable.
And don’t be afraid of offending the person by asking for references at the outset. If they’re secure in themselves and the job they’ll do, they will respect you for doing your due diligence and considering more than one REALTOR® before making your choice.
One caution: Think twice before using a friend or relative. Sometimes it works great because trust may already be built-in; other times, it can be a complication.
Ultimately, you need to have full confidence in the person charged with selling your home and/or helping you buy a home.
Deciding who is extended that trust is your decision. And the decision will only be as good as the time and effort you put into making it.
Fortunately, Memphis has a lot of great REALTORS®, but you are seeking the specific one that is right for your needs at this specific time. So, take your time and make the hire that’s right for you and your family.