Here are some tips to help pick a realtor that will work in your best interest

As a buyer, realtor services are free to you. Our commissions are paid by the sellers side of the transaction. Below is why it is so important to find a realtor that will work in your best interest and not theirs.

After 2 years in this business, having worked on 96 closed transactions and over 130 total transactions, here are my thoughts on what to look for when picking a realtor to help you make one of life’s biggest financial decisions.

Realtors have been compared to slimy used car salesmen that are highly overpaid and just sit around collecting money. This is far from the truth. While it is true that if you work hard and are good at what you do, like most professions you can make a good living. None of our commissions are guaranteed.

Sometimes a realtor can go months without any income and money is constantly going out for all of the many expenses there are to be a relevant realtor in their local market. There are those of us out here who really do care about their clients and don’t resort to high pressure sales.

Reachable/Follow Through/Reputation/Knowledgeable

[bctt tweet=”You should interview a few realtors before making a decision on which one to go with. ” username=”JDPDXRealEstate”]After a few open houses, referrals from friends and meeting a few different realtors, you will want to check them out on the web for their reviews/reputation and to gain some insight about the agent. Ask them for references from past clients to verify how their experience went. It’s not only important that you get along with the realtor you choose but that the realtor is also knowledgeable.

Reachable

Is the realtor reachable? You will want to make sure you are working with a realtor that returns all of your messages promptly or better yet, always answers their phone when you call. This goes for any realtor “team” as well. We all get busy, have meetings, trainings and can’t answer phones but in today’s world with technology at our fingertips, there is no reason to not getback to our clients promptly with at least a text or email.

Follow through

Will they follow through with all commitments? This I call, doing what we say we are going to do and not making constant excuses when it doesn’t happen.  Are they late to every showing appointment? Did you ever get that document they said they would send?  You want to work with a realtor that not only talks the talk but can walk the walk. Pay attention to the details and make sure your realtor actually does what they say they will do when they say they will do it.

                                                                       Your realtor must be present

4) Is it easy to go see homes with the realtor? Will they send the client out on their own to open houses most of the time?  You will want a realtor that is willing to spend the time showing you homes as that’s really the best way for us to learn what your likes and dislikes are. I once showed an out of state client, 75+ homes over a few month period, up to 23 homes in a day, before finding their perfect home!

5)  Is the realtor knowledgeable about real estate and the neighborhoods? [bctt tweet=”It is to your advantage to work with a realtor that knows the market and the neighborhood(s) you are interested in buying” username=”JDPDXRealEstate”] a home as they will know why a certain area is in such high demand whether it be schools or walkability, etc.  They will also have the expertise and be able to inform you why a certain neighborhood may not be as desirable and the challenges you will have when you go to sell a home in a certain neighborhood. It is our job listen to your needs, and to educate you,so youcan make the best informed decision when buying a home.

If you are looking for a hard working, honest, knowledgeable, reachable agent who follows through with their commitments and has a great reputation & works in your best interest, I’m your guy!

Please let me know how I can help or if you have any questions about real estate! What to ask before moving in here.

For more free helpful information as a first time home buyer check out my BLOG

First time home buyer & shopping for a mortgage

So you want to be a realtor?
https://jdpdxrealestate.com/7-tips-to-find-the-best-qualified-realtor/7 Tips to find the best qualified realtor