How to Pick a Realtor for You

If you’re ready to buy or sell a home, you don’t have to do it alone. Buying or selling a home can be a stressful process, especially your first time around. A realtor can be a great help to make the whole process run smoothly. 

As with all things in life, though, some realtors are better than others. That’s why we created this guide with seven steps on how to pick the best realtor for you. You’ll find our top tips and recommendations to get a realtor who will help make buying or selling a home a much better experience.

Why a Realtor Is Important in the Moving Process

A good realtor will help inform you of any and all important steps in the home buying or selling process. They can help you make the best decisions when it comes to finding a new home. Everything from finding potential homes you’ll actually want to buy, teaching you what to look for in a home, and even walking you through the buying process, a good realtor will support you every step of the way. 

When you’re ready to sell, a realtor will help you stage your home, take the photography, list it, and show it to potential buyers. A good realtor knows that if they can get you the best offer on your home, they not only make better commissions but also make a potential client for life. The better they help you, the better they do as a realtor.

Step 1: Research Realtors Who Will Work With You, Not for You

It may not seem like that big of a deal, but a realtor who will work with you is far better than one who will work for you. You want a realtor who is proactive in getting you into the home of your dreams. If they can help find the right home for you, it saves you time and energy from having to look for homes and then scheduling walk-throughs.

There are several ways you can research realtors, which we’ll get into further. Find yourself a realtor whose whole goal is to be there for you at every point in the home-buying process. They should look for homes within your budget, warn you of potentially bad purchases, and even steer you toward a good lender. 

Your realtor should almost feel like your best friend when buying a home. 

Step 2: Seek Referrals for Realtors

If you want to know how to pick a realtor, ask your friends and family who have recently purchased a home. A referral is a great way to find a realtor who has done a great job for someone you know. 

Don’t just stop at one or two referrals either. Talk to several family members and friends to create a list of five to ten recommended realtors. The more referrals you receive, the better your chances are at finding the right one for you. Even if you choose to work with a realtor but find that they aren’t the right fit, you can reach out to another referred realtor instead. 

A referral is often better than finding a realtor on your own. 

Step 3: Search for Realtors on Google

Once you have your list of referred realtors, look them up on Google. Or search online for highly rated realtors if you don’t have any referrals. A quick Google search can help you find realtors in your area, provide you with reviews for each realtor, and information about their experience. 

Along with finding a realtor, you can also learn about which realty company a realtor may work for and how well that company rates with home buyers and sellers. Do your research, and you will be one step closer to picking the right realtor for you. 

Step 4: Interview Multiple Realtors

Don’t be afraid to reach out to several realtors and ask them a few questions before choosing one to work with. Ask them how long they’ve been a realtor. How many homes they have helped sell or buy. How many current clients they are working with. 

Questions like these will help you get a good feel of how well they will work with you. Make sure they have an opportunity to ask you questions, as well. The more a realtor knows about your wants and wishes in a home, the better they can help find the right one for you.

Step 5: Communication

Communication with your realtor is key when it comes to buying a home. They should be reaching out during every step of the home-buying process to help answer any questions or to explain anything that will help you with the decision. 

A good realtor will check in regularly, as well as be available to answer your calls when you need them. Just remember, they’re people, too, with families and lives outside of the realty world. So don’t worry if they don’t immediately answer your call or text. The best realtors will always get back to you in a timely manner.

Step 6: Make Sure Your Strategies Align

You and your realtor should be on the same page every step of the way. That’s why it’s important to talk to them about your plans and goals for buying a home. If you have a certain time frame of when you want to buy, discuss it with them and they can help you determine if it’s realistic or not. 

The best realtors will also keep your budget, location, and wishlist in mind while they help you find a home. As you strategize on a game plan with them, they can work on helping you carry out that game plan and get you into your forever home.

Step 7: Book Your Realtor

Last, but not least, book your realtor. Once you’ve found the right realtor to work with, set up a regular time to meet and work with them. They only have so much time to work with so many clients, so make sure you book time with them. 

Once you start using them as a realtor, make sure to be available for them. Show up to scheduled home walk-throughs. Be available for potential meetings and introductions to lenders and sellers. If they’re setting aside time to work with you over other potential clients, make sure you make the time for them, as well.

When all is said and done, your realtor should help you get into the right home for you! It may take a little bit of time, but the right realtor will do all they can to get you what you’re looking for. Happy house hunting!

Find the Perfect Realtor and the Perfect Home

Are you ready to find the perfect home? Let one of our licensed and experienced realtors help. At Next Level Homes, we make sure our homes AND realtors are next level to get you exactly what you want out of your future home. Search for a Next Level realtor today and let us get you into your forever home!