I’ve been a Realtor for twenty-two years, though I laughingly tell people I’ve been in the biz since 1979 (stop doing math, folks).
So much like the infamous tag line, “I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two” suggests … I have experience. A lot.
“An intelligent person hires people who are more intelligent than he is,” advises Robert Kiyosaki, a Japanese-American businessman and author, known for the Rich Dad Poor Dad series of personal finance books.
It seems everyone knows a Realtor, or someone going to school to get their Real Estate license. It’s not uncommon for me to hear my brother’s aunt’s cousin’s son just got his license and, well, I don’t want to cause any family rifts by hiring outside our circle.
I get it!
Scratch that … I absolutely do not “get it.”
For clarity: you’re intention is to trust your biggest investment, likely your most treasured asset, to someone that has no background beyond the classroom (note, in Real Estate, there is no requirement to participate in a mentor nor apprenticeship program)? Hmmm.
While admirable, instead, I’d suggest seeking recommendations and input from people, trusted friends or work colleagues, that have bought and sold homes in your area. Find out who they used and why, along with what they felt went well through the process and what ways they’d advise that same agent to improve the transaction next time. Another bonus, a referred agent and yourself will have some immediate professional comforts. Knowing the same people and a having common sphere has a tendency to do that! With luck, that’s me!
During that first call, you’ll likely know quickly whether you’ll be able to communicate and work along side the suggested Realtor, so if there’s a connection, match up calendars. It’s amazing how much you can tell about how an agent will prioritize your needs and caring for them based on how easily (or difficult) it is to schedule a meeting.
To get our meeting off on the right foot, definitely let me know what info and answers regarding your home and/or the market you’re hoping to have answered that first get together. For example: what local homes that are similar size to you are selling for or if your budget is XYZ what will that look like in a future property. Remember, these will be generalities vs specifics until a tour of your home to complete a thorough CMA or learning more about your style can happen, but an agent should be prepared to jump into the deep end with you.
Some people like to meet with a multiple folks, so having a prepared list of questions to ask the agent is important along with remembering this is a job interview for a business transaction that directly effects the well-being of your family. Five points to be sure to cover:
1) How long have your been a Realtor? Ideally, your interviewee has several years under their belt; yet, if you’re offering an opportunity to a rookie, this question is a great lead in to find out what supports they have behind the scenes “just in case.”
2) What do you know about a specific neighborhood’s market and desirability? This is important for both a seller to be confident their home’s and area’s attributes will be spotlighted as well as for a buyer to know they’ll be taken to houses that meet their lifestyle goals.
3) What’s your schedule/availability? This is a doozie! Many agents work part-time which is a problem in the case of bid-war deadlines or last minute closing issues.
4) How many homes did you close in the past year or two? This question is specific as it is more than just how long have you been licensed, it goes directly to how successfully the agent helps people buy and sell property.
5) How often will I hear from you through-out the buying or selling process? This question sets up both the clients’ expectatations as well as gives everyone an opportunity to say if there’s something more or less needed. Additionally, if you are a texter, it’s a fair request that your agent communicate as much as possible via text (including any FYI’s for listings sent to an email inbox).
No one is going to tell you they can provide a stress-free home selling or house buying process (and if they do, they’re blowing smoke just to win you over), yet connecting with an experienced agent through trusted referrals can certainly make either buying or selling less stressful.
So remember, you’re looking for the best in the industry. Ask your friends to help connect dots. And, if you are that friend that hears of someone looking for a Realtor, give them my name and shoot me a text with their contact so I can serve them the way the way I had the honor and pleasure of serving you.