Purchasing a home is by far the largest and most important financial transaction most of us ever make! Find a realtor you like and work exclusively with them – you will get 100% service if your realtor knows you’re not working with several realtors at once. You and your realtor should work together as a team.
Look for the following qualities when choosing a realtor:
- Trustworthy, honest, and ethical.
- Understands your individual real estate needs and requirements and is able to clearly articulate them.
- Excellent knowledge of the local market and ability to recommend specific areas of the region that meet your needs.
- Solid negotiating and closing skills.
- General and specific product knowledge about a wide range of properties.
Once you’ve decided to work with a realtor, remember the following:
- If you’re interested in a new home in a brand-new development, have your realtor arrange an introduction to the salesperson at the show home.
- Feel free to view Open Houses. You have no obligation to the realtor holding the Open House. If you like the home and wish to make an offer, contact your realtor immediately and make the offer through him.
View “appointment-only” listings with your realtor – he/she may be able to point out deficiencies or problems that the owner may steer you away from.