The real estate market is heating up again this Spring, and if you’re considering selling your home or making a meaningful move, you likely want to know how to choose the Realtor® that is right for you. We’ve compiled some helpful tips to consider as you are researching Realtors® and meeting with prospective options. From personal referrals to asking the right questions, we have the comprehensive guide to help set you up for Realtor® selection success.
Ask for Referrals
Many areas of a business rely on word-of-mouth referrals to continue growing their clientele, and real estate is no exception. As you begin the process of selling or buying a home, ask within your social circles for Realtor® recommendations. Often a friend or family member has a past positive experience that they can share with you for your consideration in selecting a Realtor®. Statistics show that about 1 in 5 sellers (22%) find their real estate agent because of a referral from a friend, relative, neighbor, or coworker. Check within your local area organizations as well – Chamber of Commerce, as an example – to see what groups and real estate companies partner with your community (or the community you want to move to) as a part of their business strategy. These groups are often well connected to the area and can offer you more personalized support throughout your buying or selling process.
Assess the Realtor’s® Expertise
When considering a real estate agent, it is important to do your research to gain a thorough understanding of the Realtor’s® history and expertise. Indicators of a trustworthy and reliable agent include:
- Familiarity with the local area and neighborhood
- Friendly, approachable, and engaging
- Excellent reviews on prominent real estate websites (Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.)
- Great listener
- Experienced in your specific selling or purchasing scenario
- Strong negotiator with a proactive, problem-solving approach to situations
Finding a real estate agent who checks these boxes can give you greater confidence that your selling or purchasing of a home will be handled by the best.
Ask the Right Questions
When meeting with a prospective real estate agent, be sure to ask questions that vet the real estate agent’s approach and experience, while also ensuring they can align with and support your goals. Questions to consider include:
- How long have you been working in real estate?
- What is your specialty?
- How will you market my home?
- Do you primarily work with buyers or sellers?
- Can you put me in contact with some references?
While there are more exhaustive lists of questions you can find and leverage, we believe these are some of the most important questions to consider when selecting an agent. Working with someone who has extensive experience in real estate, and the reviews/referrals to support their work is an agent worth considering.
For 32 years, Mike McCurry has helped over 1,600 families make meaningful moves as full-time Realtors®. About 74% of his clients are repeat clients or referrals from his past clients, a fact that makes him very proud and thankful. If you are considering buying or selling a home and would like to discuss your situation with Mike, call 630-447-9393 or submit a contact form here.