Let’s talk about how to choose a great Realtor—not just any Realtor. There’s a big difference!
Maybe you’ve found Realtors in all kinds of ways before: calling a number on a “For Sale” sign, following a friend’s recommendation, or scrolling through Zillow and Google reviews. Those can all be good places to start, but finding a great Realtor takes a bit more.
In over thirty years in real estate, I’ve learned what truly sets a great Realtor apart. So, let’s dive into three key questions to help you find a Realtor who’s up to the challenge.
- Who’s on Their Team?
A great Realtor comes with a whole team of trusted professionals. While a good agent might handle the basics, a great Realtor makes sure every detail is covered, keeping your transaction smooth from start to finish. They stay in constant contact with your mortgage lender, title company, and even your home inspector—handling all the behind-the-scenes work so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
When interviewing potential Realtors, ask them questions like:
- Who do you work closely with in transactions?
- Who are your preferred mortgage lenders and title companies?
- Do you have a list of trusted home inspectors?
Asking about their team gives you a glimpse into how connected and organized they are—and how smoothly they’ll keep everything moving from start to finish.
- What’s Their Plan B?
When it comes to selling your home, everyone’s “Plan A” is pretty straightforward: put up a sign and wait for the offers to roll in. But what happens if your home doesn’t sell as quickly as you’d like? That’s where a great Realtor really shows their worth. They’ll have a solid Plan B (and maybe even a Plan C) to keep the interest alive and help you get your home sold, even if it’s been sitting on the market for a while.
When interviewing, ask:
- What’s your backup plan if my home doesn’t sell right away?
- What strategies do you have to keep potential buyers engaged?
A great Realtor doesn’t just have the basics covered—they come up with creative ways to keep your property in the spotlight for buyers. This could even mean exploring options outside the traditional market, like reaching out to investors.
- What’s Their Strategy for Finding Your Ideal Home?
For buyers, working with a great Realtor can really change the game when it comes to finding that perfect home. In competitive markets, you can’t just sit back and wait for new listings to pop up on Zillow. A great Realtor is on the ball—they have the scoop on upcoming listings, know which neighborhoods are hot, and can even reach out to their network to find homes that fit your needs.
When talking with Realtors, consider asking:
- What’s your approach to finding homes for your clients?
- How do you help clients find the best options in a competitive market?
- Do you have connections for off-market listings?
A great Realtor won’t just sit back and wait for listings to show up—they’ll be out there actively helping you get ahead of the competition and find the home that really fits your needs.
Recap: Your Checklist for Finding a GREAT Realtor
When you’re in the market for a top-notch Realtor, remember to:
- Interview 2-3 agents to compare options.
- Ask about their team to see who supports them.
- Find out their Plan B for tough sales.
- Learn how they’ll help you find that perfect property even if it’s not on the market yet.
Armed with these questions, you’ll be well on your way to finding a Realtor who’s not just good but great.
