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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is why I\u2019ll guide you through how to choose a realtor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That is a lot of duties if you ask. That is why choosing a realtor is of utmost importance when buying a new property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I know what you are thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What if, I refuse to hire a realtor, and close the deal myself?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, I\u2019m here to tell you that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A realtor offers much more than just completing the paperwork. A realtor has extensive knowledge of the real estate business. You ask a realtor, what a foreclosure is or what an Appraisal contingency is and they\u2019ll be sure to explain it to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another advantage of hiring a realtor is that they know the neighborhood. You saw your dream house, and everything seems perfect. But the realtor will tell you the kind of neighborhood you will be moving into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are they notorious for crimes, and break-ins? Or the neighbours are just terrible? The realtor knows that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And since I know you want a pleasant neighborhood, let me tell you how to choose a good realtor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019ll be listing some tips on how to choose a realtor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the best ways to hire\u00a0a realtor is to ask around friends, family, and colleagues. Someone you know might just have bought a property recently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once they fit the bill, set a meeting up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or wait for this next step\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, searching online is one of the best ways to find a good realtor. Or anything really.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are lots of platforms you can use to choose a realtor, like\u00a0Zillow\u2019s Agent Finder.<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Utilize them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Browse through the realtors, and check reviews and user ratings. Find out the one that you feel is best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also search online based on your location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can search \u201cRealtors in My Area\u201d and the search engine will show you all the available realtors near you. Just be sure not to depend on online searches only. Do some ground research as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good luck finding one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 to lack the necessary credentials, do you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should look out for a realtor who belongs to the National Association of Realtors, a professional organization for realtors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be sure to take this step seriously, as it is one of the best ways to hire a realtor that most people ignore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you have checked the references, the next step is to set up an interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of the questions you should ask a realtor;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But before that\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Realtors work for both buyers and sellers. If you are willing to buy a property, here are some tips to choose a realtor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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;<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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, and complete the necessary paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is important is you hire a realtor that has the best qualities you desire and has the requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good luck hiring a realtor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Review Credentials<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Set Up an Interview<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
6. It Is Time to Go Hunting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here Are Some Tips for Buyers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Realtor Tips for Sellers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2014 unless you have a close relationship with someone experienced.<\/p> <\/div>
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?<\/p> <\/div>
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.<\/p> <\/div>
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.<\/p> <\/div>
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.<\/p> <\/div>
It depends on your situation and your preference. Generally, reliability, the ability to protect your interests, competency, and great negotiating and communication skills are mostly desired.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\nReferences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Recommendations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n