A competent and trustworthy real estate agent is an essential ally when you buy or sell a house. Life-changing decisions—involving substantial amounts of money—are easier to make with the guidance and insights of a trained and experienced professional.
Looking for a dependable Realtor for your Charlotte, NC real estate needs? Here is a useful guide you can follow:
Step 1: Ask your family and friends for referrals
Recommendations from friends or family living nearby are a good way to begin your search. Real estate is a very localized business, so having the people you trust most vouch for the best candidates in your area is a step in the right direction.
If certain agents are popular in your area, there must be a good reason behind it—and it likely involves an impressive track record and reputation around the local community.
Step 2: Do your own research
Learn about what qualifications and qualities make a good agent, not to mention specializations that match your needs best. When you figure out exactly what you are looking for, start researching agent websites and profiles. Fortunately these are easy to find online these days.
Check if an agent is the right fit for your specific requirements by reviewing their featured listings or most recent sales. You can also learn a lot from reading testimonials and reviews from their past clients.
Step 3: Interview multiple candidates
The interview is your best chance to learn more about an agent’s distinct work styles and strategies. Interview at least three candidates in order to make a fair comparison.
On top of standard questions about their experience and credentials, ask about their typical communication styles, work schedules, and other important matters involving their accessibility.
Ask candidates to share anecdotes, including serious challenges they faced in the past. This is a great way to learn about an agent’s character and tendencies, especially when dealing with tricky situations.
Before you end your interview, make your candidates ask you questions, as well. How inquisitive they get at this point can tell you a lot about how sincere and dedicated they can be as your professional partner moving forward.
Step 4: Get in touch with your candidates’ references
Ask your candidates to connect you with a few recent clients and take your time to reach out to them. Dive deep into their experiences in working with the agents you’re considering, especially involving the negotiation stage, which is typically the most challenging part of a home buying or home selling process.
Step 5: Look for chemistry
When it comes to choosing the right partner to work with in a real estate transaction, qualifications and skills are only part of the equation. In addition to the objective criteria, your final decision also depends on an important matter of preference.
Simply put, choose an agent that you feel comfortable working and conversing with. Real estate transactions are long, meticulous, and occasionally stressful, so it’s crucial to find a professional partner that you can consult, confide in, and complain to whenever the situation demands it.
Look no further than the Valarie R. Brooks Real Estate Team for your homebuying or selling needs in the Metro Charlotte area. Learn more about our top-notch professional services by calling 704.488.5458 or emailing Valarie(at)ValarieRBrooks(dotted)com.