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Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting, financially daunting, and time-consuming experiences. It requires serious prep, from cleaning up your credit score to amassing a down payment.
To help make this process as seamless as possible, you’ll need the right realtor by your side. Here are the key qualities to look for.
Experience
Buying or selling a home is a major financial decision. It would help if you chose a realtor with the experience to guide you through your transaction with minimal stress.
Experienced agents like those at Wayzata, MN have a pulse on the local market and can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands. They can also recommend reputable mortgage lenders, title companies, home inspectors, and staging professionals.
A good way to find an experienced agent is by attending open houses and asking for references. Be sure to ask for the contact information of an agent’s three most recent clients and contact them directly. Ask about their experience in your area and the time to sell a home. Then, interview the agent to see if they are a good fit.
Reputation
Neighborhood experts have a knack for knowing the local market like the back of their hand. This gives them a leg up with potential buyers and provides valuable insight when helping their seller clients find their next home.
Additionally, these neighborhood experts have connections within the real estate community that can help make the process easier for both parties. This includes relationships with top lenders, title companies, appraisers, and other professionals.
When evaluating an agent, ask them for contact information for their three most recent buyers. Follow up with those people to learn more about their experiences and watch out for red flags. These can include anything from overly-aggressiveness to vagueness and dishonesty. It’s ok to walk away from an agent that isn’t a good fit.
Communication
While recommendations from friends and family are a great start, it’s also important to interview potential agents. This is a critical step in finding the right realtor because this person will be alongside you throughout a stressful process.
Schedule an in-person meeting and discuss the home-buying process if you find an agent you like. This is your chance to see if you get along and can work together.
During the meeting, please pay attention to how responsive they are. You may want to move on if they are difficult to reach or don’t respond quickly. Additionally, consider how knowledgeable they are about the local market. This includes neighborhood home value trends, commute times, schools, and other geographic factors.
The appearance of real estate platforms has significantly impacted how buyers engage with real estate agents. This influence can affect buyers’ decisions to either continue or discontinue their relationship with an agent. You can read more about this topic in the article titled “Buyers Will Drop Agents: Taking Control In Plymouth, MN, The Harsh Reality.”
Flexibility
When interviewing real estate agents and brokers, finding their availability is important. If their work schedule conflicts with when you’re free to tour properties, you may need help to see the homes you want.
Also, remember that some Realtors specialize in one market or buyer type. If you’re interested in a certain neighborhood or market, ask the agent if they’re knowledgeable in that area. Great post read about Old Fashioned Kit.
While personal referrals are an excellent way to find a Realtor, be wary of using friends and family. They may have different financial situations or priorities when buying a home, so they will unlikely fit you. Be sure to put them through the same vetting process as any other candidate.
Personality Realtor
As you narrow down your list of potential agents, it’s important to interview them in person (or via video call) to get to know their personality and working style. This can help you weed out those who might not be a good fit for your home purchase and help you find the right match.
You should also pay attention to their negotiating style. An agent who is pushy or aggressive may not align with your style or may even be a deal breaker.
You should also make sure that your agent is full-time. That way, they likely stay on top of new listings and sales in the area. They’ll also be more interested in helping you find the best home for your budget and lifestyle.
