How Do You Choose The RIGHT Real Estate Broker For YOU?

Selling or buying a home is a huge deal. It’s probably one of the biggest decisions you’ll make – or at least one of the most expensive investments. So it's natural to want the best real estate broker to fit your needs. But how do you go about finding that great broker who will sell your house fast or find you your dream home? Well here are five essential questions and themes that are a must-ask or know when searching for your RIGHT real estate broker.

1. How Long Have You Been in the Business?

It’s easy to want to judge a book by its cover. If a licensed agent has been in the business for 10 years, it's easy to assume they know what they’re doing. Or to suppose a new broker freshly certified won’t be doing you any favors. But think again. Instead of looking solely at years in the biz, take a look at their success rate. Sure someone may have been an agent for years, but have they had a fantastic amount of sales? Are they working hard to close deals? Are they diligently putting all their effort into their work and ethics? Both the seasoned agent and the new realtor can have good success rates! So whichever type of realtor you find, don’t just base off longevity, look at how successful they are at closing deals and making sales. That ratio speaks more than years in the business.

2. Clients & Time – Do You Have Time For Me?

When perusing for a realtor a safe question to venture is how heavy their client base is. Why? Because you want to know if they will have enough time for you. Just because a realtor has a plethora of clients doesn’t make him a bad choice! But do they have the support team to back up all the client? If the answer is yes, you’ll soon know. Agents who have a great team alongside them can have tons of clients, while still making you feel like you must be the only one in Farmington shopping for a home.

You’ll need their time for questions, concerns, and showings, so make sure up front they’re ready to designate time.

3. Communication with Broker: More Is Better

Truly, communication is key. Whether you need to be in the loop of new and exciting homes on the market, or if you’re trying to get your house sold fast, you need to be up to date. Any good business will have steady and open communication with you. Not only should they be available for your calls and questions, but should communicate with you that those concerns are appreciated and expected! You never want a realtor you feel the bad calling as if you’re bothering their busy day. Your home buying and listing experience is a realtor’s job – so don’t shy away from communicating with them. Ask up front what communication you can expect from your broker.

1. Will you be able to chat with them during odd hours if you’re unable to call during the workday? (Think early morning or evening phone calls for questions, etc.)
2. Are they more responsive via text or phone call?
3. Will you get the frequency of updates you need/want?

4. Do You Have the Connections?

It’s all about the people you know. As you venture further into the buying and selling process there are lots of vendor needs: home inspections, contractors, painters, title companies, and lenders - just to name a few. A good realtor will have a good list of references for you to make this process easier. Your realtors experience working with these vendors should shed light on pricing, experience, quality of work, etc. With those types of connections, you’re sure to get a quality deal.

5. Word of Mouth is Strong Stuff

People talk. There’s no doubt about it. And what they say matters to those choosing a service. So ask around! What agents have people used that they loved or disliked, and why? Ask what their favorite part of the experience was with their realtor. What could have improved? Were they timely and efficient, etc? Firsthand accounts will give you the honest information you need to make the right call on the broker for you.

So rest assured you CAN find the right agent for you. Do a little research, ask around, and make sure they have a strong team, like us, and you’ll be set and you’ll be in your dream home in no time.