The buying and selling of a home has all the makings of turning out to become a nightmare, probably a recurring one too. A lot of stress and complications are strewn in this path especially for people who haven’t taken this route earlier. However, the presence of a professional realtor can make things easier for you and ease a lot of stressful situations that may come your way. But how do you know you have made the right selection and picked the right realtor (Yeah, it is as critical as selecting a life partner) who can steer you through the real estate maze.
The following are the signs that you have narrowed down on the ideal real estate guide:
- You are ok with their presence
You are going to spend a lot of time discussing property and speaking to your realtor, before, during and after the property transaction happens. It is necessary that you like being around him/her as a real estate transaction can be a long-winded affair and having a cordial relationship will surely help. As long as you do not feel like avoiding the realtor’s calls, you have probably made the right selection.
- You are a priority for them
A professional realtor will always make himself available for you and isn’t likely to keep you waiting for a response, will always respond to calls (well, at least return your missed calls) and generally keep in touch with you. The ideal realtor knows a real estate transaction is a huge thing for you and your needs are priority number one for him.
- A realtor will guide you for home loan procedures
A good real estate agent is bound to ask you during the initial meetings itself of your understanding of loans and mortgages. He will take you by the hand and guide you through the maze of home loan procedure. He will also push you to get pre-approval on the home loan so you save on time and have a hassle free transaction, especially when payment has to be made. He will ensure that you get the best rate of interest, the maximum tenure and work with the best home loan company so that you don’t waste time searching for all of the above.
- Your real estate agent is reactive
The ideal agent will always be proactive while looking for the right property solutions and will not just go through the motions like a zombie. A professional realtor will continuously looking out for properties with “you” in mind, always on the hunt for better choices for you. If your realtor does all of the above and more, you have certainly hired the right guy for business. A true blue realtor is never reactive and is communicative from the word go.
- Honesty is his middle name
The right agent will always be forthright and give you the truth, even if that means losing you as a client. Being honest takes a lot of guts, especially when business is at stake and it only means that the realtor puts ethics and integrity before money. If you have found an agent who tells you the harsh truth, do not let him/her go, as he can be the most valuable asset for you. You need to hear the truth when it’s necessary and the agent who gives it to you, unfiltered and timely, is surely the right one for you.
- Your realtor has a never-say-never attitude
During the buying and selling of property, there will be times when you as a buyer or seller, will feel like giving up and taking off to the mountains to let off steam. A realtor who has the strength and creativity to keep things moving especially when they aren’t going the way they should, is the one who will keep you going during dull times. The right agent will always fight for you, stick by your side and motivate you to remain in the ring despite getting punched on the nose a few times.
- The right agent wants relationships and business, strictly in that order
The perfect realtor does not view a real estate transaction as a one-off incident or a money-making opportunity. He will want to build a relationship with you that goes far beyond the transaction and will be keen to remain in touch with you before and after the sale or purchase is done. He will present himself as a source of information and leads, while building confidence about his capabilities. This indicates that he is in the business for the long haul.
If your realtor is equipped with the above mentioned attributes, you have acquired a truly valuable asset for a lifetime, whether a property transaction takes place or not.