If you need a realtor, you must first learn to understand what representation actually is. Those who want to sell a property may need a specialized seller’s agent. On the other side, buyer’s agents represent those wanting to purchase a property. As soon as you have signed a contract with one of these agents, they have a legal duty to represent you properly.
Your realtor’s experience is one of the most important things to look into. Usually, those with the most experience tend to deliver the best service. If you find someone who was operating before the financial crisis and is still in business today, you are on to a really good one. Next, make sure that the experience they have is relevant to your own needs. Someone who wants to flip properties, for instance, will have very different needs to someone who wants to find a home to raise a family in. Secondly, you need to find out how your realtor can help you in terms of your demographic and geographical needs. For instance, if you were to purchase a farm, you need to work with a realtor that is very different from one that only works with apartments in major cities, as your requirements will be very different. If, however, your interests lie in historic or listed buildings, you will need a very different type of realtor.
Don’t work with the realtor of the owners of the property you are planning to purchase. By law, the realtor will have to pass on any information you give to the seller as well. In the same manner, if you want to sell, you shouldn’t work with your potential buyer’s realtor either. You need a professional that represents you and only you. Start by asking people you know whether they can refer you to a realtor. Another place to look for a good realtor is the NAR (National Association of Realtors. If a realtor has a NAR registration, you know that they will be highly professional and ethical in their business dealings. Do make sure you speak to several before you decide which one to go with. When you speak to them, be clear on your needs so they can make suggestions. It is an opportunity for you to find out how much a potential agent knows about neighborhoods, prices and more. If you want to sell your home, find out how the realtor has done in the past. What you must find out is whether they tend to sell below, on or above the asking price.
Hopefully, the above tips will help you to find the best realtor to represent you. Make sure you never buy or sell a property without working with a realtor. One of the main things they are aware of is when the best time to buy and sell is, and this could end up saving or making you thousands.