6 Must-Dos When Trying to Find a REALTOR®
Aspiring buyers and sellers have an important task they need to tackle before kicking off their real estate transactions. They need to find a REALTOR®.
A real estate professional plays a vital role in the buying and selling process — helping navigate the ins and outs of the transaction, providing information allowing their clients to make informed decisions, and more.
In fact, according to the National Association of REALTORS®:
- 88% of all home buyers worked with a real estate professional to find, negotiate, and purchase their homes, and
- 89% of sellers in 2020 worked with an industry professional to list, market, and sell their properties.
When it’s time for you to dive into the housing market, you’ll want the very best resource at your side.
Why You Need to Find a REALTOR®
There is no one better to facilitate a home purchase or sale than a REALTOR®.
As a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, licensed REALTORS® are a part of America’s largest trade association. Besides having immense knowledge and experience, REALTORS® abide by a strict Code of Ethics —
“In recognition and appreciation of their obligations to clients, customers, the public, and each other, REALTORS® continuously strive to become and remain informed on issues affecting real estate and, as knowledgeable professionals, they willingly share the fruit of their experience and study with others.”
To be an active member of the NAR, and therefore call yourself a REALTOR®, agents need to hold a valid real estate license and a spotless professional record. REALTORS® are the best option for anyone looking for real estate professionals to work with because they are verified, backed by an official organization, and dedicated to top-tier business standards.
If you’re on the market to find a REALTOR®, here’s a list of six best practices to connect you with your best possible fit.
#1. Identify Your Needs
The REALTOR® you seek to work with should have experience with clients that had similar situations as you. The first step to find a REALTOR® is to identify your own unique needs as a buyer or seller.
Considering specific and personalized aspects of your upcoming transaction, such as your budget, special circumstances, and location is a good starting point. Many REALTORS® are trained experts in niche markets, such as SRES®, a Seniors Real Estate Specialist.
Knowing more about your own position will help you make an informed decision.
#2. Start Building a List of Prospects
Keeping a list of potential REALTORS® you’d like to work with is another great tip.
Besides simply recording names and numbers, use this space to keep notes on your experience as you’re thinking about who to hire. Writing down who’s trained in what, who gave off a winning first impression, and who may not be the best fit for you will all be helpful when it comes time to make a choice.
#3. Research Candidates Web Presence
Nowadays, you don’t need to meet a REALTOR® in person to learn about them and their business. Going online and researching candidates based on their web presence will help you know their personality, brand identity, and professional repertoire. Look up the REALTOR® on social media, find their website, and read their reviews.
#4. Prepare a List of Interview Questions
To find a REALTOR® that’s best suited for you, you’ll need to interview your top options before making a final choice. Prepare a list of interview questions in advance to help get organized and ensure nothing important is left out.
Some questions to consider are:
- What contracts will I need to sign?
- How much is your fee?
- How many clients are you servicing right now?
- How will we be communicating?
- How much experience do you have in my target location?
#5. Find the Right Match for You
The REALTOR® you partner with will be playing an active role throughout the real estate process. Buyers and sellers must choose someone who meets all of their qualifying criteria and is a good personality fit for them.
Looking for someone who you click with is an essential part of finding your best REALTOR®. Trusting your instinct and choosing the professional you resonate with will set you up for a more prosperous and satisfying experience.
#6. Work with a Reputable Referral Service
There are over 1.3 million active real estate agents in the US, but only one of them is right for you.
Instead of blindly searching for a REALTOR®, trust a professional referral service to get you connected with your best option. If you’re trying to find a REALTOR®, trust a data-driven referral network for top agents.
