• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Job Finder

Job Finder

Over 10,000 Latest Career Tips in 2022 | Get Employed

  • Career Tips
    • Remote Jobs with no Experience
    • Jobs for 13 years old
    • Jobs for 17 Years Old
    • Jobs for Bachelor’s degree
    • Job s for associates degree
    • Tech Jobs with no degree
    • Jobs with No Customer care services
    • Commission based Jobs
    • Jobs with History Majors
  • Cover Letter
    • Career Change Cover Letter
    • Entry Level Cover Letter
  • Hiring
    • Hire a Career Coach
    • Hiring Seasonally
    • Hiring Manager Jobs
    • Phone Interview Tips
    • Interview Questions
    • Networking Emails
  • Resume
    • Resume Trends
    • Stay-at-home Resume
    • Professional Resume Headers
    • Resume Summary Samples
  • Work Ethics
  • Kiiky Home
  • Kiiky Wealth
  • Kiiky Insurance
  • Kiiky Tech

How to Choose A Realtor

May 7, 2022 by Ajah_Excel Leave a Comment

Choose A Realtor

When buying a property, choosing a real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you can make. It helps you make wise decisions, and avoid costly mistakes.

Buying a home itself is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make in life. Thus, it is important to get it right. A real estate agent or realtor helps you do that right.

This is why I’ll guide you through how to choose a realtor.

What Does A Realtor Do?

A Realtor is an independent contractor who helps people buy and sell real estate. Much of what they do happens behind the scenes. They are continually working all hours of the day.

A realtor helps you navigate during the property buying process. From start to finish, they are to help every step of the way. A realtor helps you find a suitable property according to your budget, taste and location. They then accompany you to the chosen property and act as a mediator with the listing agent.

If there is a deal, the realtor also steps in to negotiate the deal on your behalf, help you schedule a home inspection and help with the necessary paperwork.

That is a lot of duties if you ask. That is why choosing a realtor is of utmost importance when buying a new property.

When Do You Need to Hire a Realtor?

Realtors usually charge 5-6% of the total sale price of the home. This amount is usually split between both the seller and the buyer.

I know what you are thinking.

What if, I refuse to hire a realtor, and close the deal myself?

Well, I’m here to tell you that’s not going to work. Unless you have extensive experience in purchasing properties or have a close personal relationship with a real estate lawyer, that is a no-no.

A realtor offers much more than just completing the paperwork. A realtor has extensive knowledge about the real estate business. You ask a realtor, what a foreclosure is or what an Appraisal contingency is and they’ll be sure to explain it to you.

Another advantage of hiring a realtor is that they know the neighbourhood. You saw your dream house, and everything seems perfect. But the realtor will tell you the kind of neighbourhood you will be moving into.

Are they notorious for crimes, break-ins? Or the neighbours are just terrible? The realtor knows that.

And since I know you want a pleasant neighbourhood, let me tell you how to choose a good realtor.

How to Choose A Realtor

There are a lot of realtors out there. Some are good at what they do, while others are just awful. How do you ensure you choose a good realtor? Worry not. I’ll be listing some tips on how to choose a realtor.

1. Set Your Priorities Straight

The first step when choosing a realtor is to set your priorities straight. What kind of realtor are you looking for? The aggressive shark who will bully his way into a deal? Or the gentle charismatic person who will charm his way to a closed deal? It’s all up to you.

SEE ALSO:   Career Change at 50: Everything You Need to Know

2. Ask People You Know

One of the best ways to hire a realtor is to ask around friends, family and colleagues. Someone you know might just have bought a property recently.

Ask them for referrals. If you hear them raving about how good their realtor is, you can ask them to set you up. Already you have set your priorities straight, and you know the realtor you are looking for.

Once they fit the bill, set a meeting up.

Or wait for this next step…

3. Search Online

Of course, searching online is one of the best ways to find a good realtor. Or anything really.

There are lots of platforms you can use to choose a realtor, like Zillow’s Agent Finder. Utilize them.

Browse through the realtors, and check reviews and user ratings. Find out the one that you feel is best for you.

You can also search online based on your location.

You can search “Realtors in My Area” and the search engine will show you all the available realtors near you. Just be sure not to depend on online search only. Do some ground research as well.

Good luck finding one.

4. Review Credentials

By now you must have seen a lot of realtors who caught your eye. This is the time to filter out. You don’t want your realtor lacking the necessary credentials, do you?

You should lookout for a realtor who belongs to the National Association of Realtors, a professional organization for realtors.

Other features you could look out for include the Green designation, for realtors who specialize in green features or the At Home With Diversity (AHWD) certification. The latter are trained realtors with experience in areas around diversity such as race, culture religion or sexual orientation.

Be sure to take this step seriously, as it is one of the best ways to hire a realtor that most people ignore.

5. Set Up an Interview

Now that you have checked the references, the next step is to set up an interview.

Contrary to most beliefs, you can actually interview more than one realtor. You should interview at least three. This will give you a chance to explore your options and choose the best realtor.

Here are some of the questions you should ask a realtor;

  • How long have you been working in real estate?
  • Do you primarily work with buyers or sellers?
  • How many active clients do you have at a time?
  • Do you have referrals from other clients?
  • Are you part of a team?
  • What’s your specialty?
  • Are you equipped to handle my unique situation?
  • Do you work as a team?
  • Can you put me in contact with some references?
  • Will you represent my interests?
  • How much will you be paid?
  • How is the neighborhood like?
  • How available are you?
  • Do you have a list of recommended sources?

6. It Is Time to Go Hunting

Once you find a realtor who answers all your questions, it is now time to go hunting for a property. You list out the specifications you want, and your realtor will get back to you.

SEE ALSO:   Top 20 Skills Every Nurse Must have

But before that…

Here Are Some Tips for Buyers

Realtors work for both buyers and sellers. If you are willing to buy a property, here are some tips to choose a realtor.

  • Look for an agent who represents only you. Most times, realtors represent both parties in the deal; both the seller and the buyer. This is known as dual agency. Avoid this arrangement before you hire a realtor. This will allow the realtor to represent you better and have your best interest at heart.
  • Talk out communication strategies. When interviewing the realtor, make sure you discuss how to communicate.  Will you communicate on phone or through emails? Do you work with the realtor’s assistants?  Make sure you work this out, as it is one of the ways to choose a good realtor.
  • Ask the realtors style. How will the agent find listed homes in your price range? This is one of the best tips to consider before you hire a realtor. Also, ask how they intend to negotiate with the seller and the challenges you might face.

Realtor Tips for Sellers

Hiring a realtor as a seller is different from when you want to choose a realtor as a buyer. Here are some tips to help guide you;

  • Ask what your property is worth. This should be one of the first things to ask a potential realtor. Don’t just choose the one with the highest price. Do they have the stats to show for it? This is very important.
  • What do I need to improve my home? Before you sell your property, you must improve the conditions to attract the best buyers. Your realtor can help you do that. Depending on the local demand, your realtor will recommend what to improve and the rewards for doing so.
  • Enquire how they intend to market your home. This is one of the most important tips. Realtors probably list your property on multiple real estate sites. You can ask them for other requirements, like a tour, photos. Also, the cost of marketing may be low, depending on the demand and the location. Discuss all these.
  • Discuss why you are selling. Are you pressed for cash quickly? Are you struggling to meet a deadline? Trying to avoid taxes? Then you should discuss this with your realtor. This will help your realtor make informed decisions regarding the sale.
  • Agree on important details. You must agree on important details like commission, price, contract length and more before you finally choose a realtor.
SEE ALSO:   20 No High School Diploma Jobs That Pay Well

Conclusion

Many tips will help you choose a realtor. Realtors are important whether you are selling or buying a property. A realtor will help you navigate your way throughout, most especially if you are a first-time homeowner help negotiate the deals, complete the necessary paperwork.

What is important is you hire a realtor that has the best qualities you desire and has the requirements.

Good luck hiring a realtor.

FAQs

Do I need a realtor?


Yes, you do. A realtor offers you unique insight, help explain terms and help you close a deal. In short, whether you are a buyer or seller, you need to hire a realtor when purchasing or selling a property — unless you have a close relationship with someone experienced.

What are some of the questions I need to ask my realtor?


There are lots of general questions you can ask your realtor, and they include;

How long have you been working in real estate?
Do you primarily work with buyers or sellers?
How many active clients do you have at a time?
Do you work as a team?
Will you represent my interests?
How much will you be paid?
How available are you?

How many realtors should I interview?


Before you choose a realtor, it is important you interview as many realtors as possible. Many people only just talk to one realtor and hire them. To get the best deal, you must interview at least three realtors.

Where do I find realtors online?


You can find realtors for hire online by searching for realtors near you. You can also use platforms such as Zillow to help you choose a good realtor. You can also check on social media, as well as referrals from friends.

How much do realtors charge?


It depends. But most realtors or real estate agents charge based on commissions. Most realtors charge 6 % of the sale ( 3% for both agents) If a home sells for $200,000 at a 6% commission, the seller’s agent and buyer’s agent might split that $12,000, and each receives $6,000.

What qualities should I look for when hiring a realtor?


It depends on your situation and your preference. Generally, reliability, ability to protect your interests, competency, great negotiating and communication skills are mostly desired.

References

  • zillow.com/sellers-guide/choose-right-real-estate-agent/
  • nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/are-all-real-estate-agents-the-same-which-realtor-is-right-for-you
  • ownerly.com/real-estate/how-to-choose-a-realtor/
  • houwzer.com/blog/15-essential-questions-to-ask-a-realtor
  • realtor.com/advice/sell/real-estate-commission-explained/

Recommendations

  • 10 Highest Paid Realtors In The USA | Best States For Realtors
  • Buying a House in 2022: A Step by Step Guide
  • How Long Does It Take To Get a Real Estate License
  • Why You Should Consider Long Distance Real Estate
  • Home Warranty of America Reviews 2022 | How it Works

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Highest Paying Jobs

15 Best-Paying Jobs In Real Estate Investment Trusts |2022

15 Best-Paying Jobs In Consumer Non-Durables | 2022

15 Best-Paying Jobs In Capital Goods | 2022

15 Highest Paid Jobs in Arkansas in 2022 [With Salaries]

20 Best Paying Jobs In Life Insurance

Fastest Growing Jobs in IT

20 Best Paying Jobs in Automotive Aftermarket | 2022

20 High Paying Summer Jobs for College Students in 2022

20 Best Paying Jobs in Packaged Foods in 2022

20 Best Paying Jobs in Apparel/Fashion Industry | 2022

Footer

20 After School Jobs For 13 Year-Olds That Pay Well in 2022

Is Electric Utilities Central A Good Career Path? | 2022 Career Tips

Is Basic Industries a Good Career Path?

Is Finance a Good Career Path | 2022

Capital One Hiring Process | Job Application, Interviews and Employment

Are Employment Agencies Worth It? | Everything You Need To Know

Hobby Lobby Hiring Process | Job Application, Interview, and Employment

How To Write Cover Letter For Data Analyst | Full Guide

What is the Expense Recognition Principle? | Definition and How it works

How to Write A Cover Letter For College Student | Full Guide

15 Best-Paying Jobs In Real Estate Investment Trusts |2022

How To Write A Cover Letter For Grant Proposal | Full Guide

15 Best Aries Careers Ideas | Best Careers

How Much Does A Business Lawyer Make?

15 Best-Paying Jobs In Consumer Non-Durables | 2022

Home Depot Hiring Process | Job Application, Interview, and Employment

How Much Does A Real Estate Lawyer Make

CVS Hiring Process | Job Application, Interviews, And Employment

20 Effective Customer Connections Tips

WinCo Hiring Process| Job Application, Interviews and Employment

Cover Letter For Fresh Graduate Quantity Surveyor (Sample And Tips)

How to Send a Second Follow Up Email After Interview

VA Hiring Process | Job Application, Interviews, And Employment

20 Online Jobs For Disabled Veterans In 2022

How To Pass Korn Ferry Assessment Of Leadership Potential Test

15 Best ISFP Careers And Jobs In 2022

What Can You Do With An Architecture Degree In 2022

How To Write Cover Letter Template For Postdoc Position | Full Guide

How To Write Cover Letter For Research Assistant | Full Guide

20 Common MMPI Test Questions And Answers

Copyright © 2022 Log in

  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA Policy
  • Disclaimer