How to Choose a Realtor and What Mistakes to Avoid
You've decided it's time to move.
Whether you need a bigger house, smaller home, are relocating or want to change from an urban area to a more suburban neighborhood, the single most important decision you can make is who you choose to be your realtor. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly or chosen by the convenience of having a family member or good friend that’s a real estate agent.
Having the right realtor will save you stress, money and time.
Based on the many debacles and awkward situations I’ve seen over the years, here are my suggestions and considerations when making that ever so important choice.
1. Ask for recommendations from friends and family in the area.
Particularly if they’ve lived here for a long time, you’re new to the area or you know anyone who’s recently moved. Hearing other people’s personal experiences are typically the best indication of what kind of realtor someone is.
2. Once you have some suggestions or even if you already have someone in mind, research them.
This is one of the millions of reasons we love Google. How much experience do they have? And not just in real estate but residential real estate in the greater Fort Worth area. Have they bounced around to different real estate companies? If so, that’s definitely something to ask them about.
3. Look at the homes they've sold and see if it matches up with your price range, size of home and the areas or neighborhoods you're interested in.
Some realtors are very specific with neighborhoods they sell in or budgets they will work with. You can typically find this information on the real estate brokerage house they work for.
4. I’ve said it once already but it’s worth saying again, don't base your decision on your relationship with this person.
You may know a handful of realtors or even be related to one. I’m not saying these are reasons not to choose them, just make sure that you’re keeping these other important things in mind.
5. Which leads me to the next important piece of advice. Personality fit is key.
You're going to be spending a lot of time with this person. You don't have to be best friends but you want to make sure you’re able to get along, trust them and feel comfortable communicating your needs, likes, dislikes, etc.
6. Lastly, once you’ve made a decision or have a couple realtors in mind, contact them and ask them the tough questions and make sure they're going to be honest with you.
The greater Fort Worth real estate market is competitive. Make sure they’re not a “yes” person who guarantees they’ll find you exactly what you want in your price range with no compromises. In fact, if they make you any kind of guarantee like that, run.
The only two guarantees I make to my clients is that I will work as hard as I can to find you what you’re looking for or get you the best price for your home and that I will be open, honest and communicate with you often.
After all, I’m human and only have control over so many things.
Looking for a real estate agent to help you buy your next home or sell your current home? I'd love to work with you!
Contact me at corrine@williamstrew.com or 817-996-6207