Choosing Your Realtor (For Buyers)

Whether you are planning on buying or selling, choosing the right realtor will make a world of difference. But picking one doesn’t have to feel like a shot in the dark. For buyers, here are some points to consider while you make your decision, and an inside view of how your realtor can help (or harm) you behind the scenes.
 

Where to find a realtor

Referrals
Real estate is a people business, and building personal relationships is a big part of the job. It’s no surprise, then, that personal referrals from past clients is the most common way people find realtors. Ask your family, friends, and coworkers for recommendations on who they liked (or didn’t like!) working with.
 
Open Houses
Open houses aren’t only to sell the house on display. Many people don’t realize that realtors also hold open houses to meet potential clients (both buyers and sellers) who stop by. Going to open houses is an easy way to get face-to-face time with a handful of realtors. Just start talking to them and see who you click with.
 

What to look for in a realtor

Everyone knows to look for an experienced agent with strong negotiation skills, but that’s pretty much how all agents market themselves. When you are meeting realtors, there are some less obvious characteristics you should seek out. It will be impossible to learn all of these details about potential realtors, but it’s still good to have an idea of different aspects to consider.
 
They understand you.
At the beginning of the home buying process, you’ll be spending a lot of time with your realtor looking at houses. You want a realtor who understands not only what you want, but also why you want it. If they know your story, they will have a better idea of what properties to show you. Having a person on the lookout will always beat the systems that spit out automated recommendations. And having that same person by your side as you tour homes will help them understand the nuances of your home preferences. That’s why it’s important that your actual realtor is with you when you’re touring houses.
 
They communicate well with you.
Your realtor should be helpful and relaxed, never pushy. You need someone who will explain concepts clearly, because most buyers have a lot of questions throughout this process. Your realtor will advise you when you’re looking at houses, making offers, and throughout the closing process. They should be easy to get ahold of and respond promptly. Some realtors are strictly 9 to 5, but find someone who is flexible and can work around your schedule. Your realtor should be excited to work with you and never make you feel like a burden.
 
They communicate well with other agents.
You want a realtor who will talk to the listing agents for houses you like, building friendly rapport and keeping them informed of your interest. They should ask the right questions, like “What can my buyer include in our offer that’s most important to your sellers?” There are agents who submit offers without ever talking to the listing agent, and often that’s why they lose. In a multiple offer situation, the seller will only negotiate with the top few offers. If your realtor has built a good relationship with the listing agent, the listing agent might give you an opportunity to “come back with your highest and best offer” to keep you in the running.
 
They have a good reputation.
When you eventually submit an offer, price and terms are important… but your realtor’s reputation is also important. Your realtor and the listing agent will be working closely together throughout the closing process. Is your realtor sloppy? Do they follow through? Additionally, is your realtor represented by an established and respected company? If your realtor has a bad reputation or the listing agent does not like working with them or their company, that could hurt the chances of your offer being accepted. The same is true if your realtor is pushy, rude, egotistical, or negotiates callously. It’s important not to offend the listing agent or the seller; the seller may not want commission going to an agent they don’t like.
 
They are on top of everything.
Your realtor needs to be organized and detail-oriented. In the real estate world, even the smallest mistake could lose you large sums of money. When writing your offer, your realtor needs to use the proper forms, without any omissions or errors. This may seem obvious, but some agents struggle to write a “clean” offer. After your offer is accepted, your realtor will need to be able to keep track of multiple legal timelines. Missing a deadline has major consequences for you.
 
They are versatile.
Ideally, you want a realtor who has experience sitting on both sides of the negotiating table. A realtor who has worked with both buyers and sellers will have greater insight into what each side wants. They can negotiate with the listing agent using their past listing experience as a reference. They will be more attuned to the seller’s needs when writing and presenting your offer, making your offer more likely to be chosen.
 
They have support.
You want a realtor who is backed by a strong support team. As they say, no man is an island. A realtor working with an established company will have substantial resources at their fingertips, and office support staff to help ensure your smooth transaction. A company that has weathered the ups and downs of the real estate market, over the decades, can easily navigate changing market conditions. Additionally, companies that have been around for a while are generally more stable, with lower agent turnover.
 
 
Of course, it’s hard to deduce all of that from just a conversation. Go with your gut. Find someone you like, trust, and feel comfortable with. Many real estate relationships turn into friendships. After all, buying a house is a major milestone in your life. You will want a friend by your side.