Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or an investor, buying or selling property is a challenging task that requires a bit of experience and know-how. Fortunately, you don’t need to pursue a home sale or purchase alone. A realtor will help you through each step of the home selling or buying process. First, an important thing to understand is what makes a great realtor—you can’t simply open a web browser, search for “top real estate agents near me,” pick a random person off the list, and expect an optimal real estate transaction. To ensure a smooth Chesapeake real estate purchase or sale, read on to understand what to look for in a realtor and what to ask before hiring them.
THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REALTORS® AND REAL ESTATE AGENTS
Keep in mind that while the terms “real estate agent” and “REALTOR®” are often used interchangeably, they’re not synonymous. In this REALTOR® Vs. Real Estate Agent article, Holly Shuffett notes that REALTORs® and real estate agents are both legally licensed to assist in residential real estate transactions, but understanding the main difference between the two will help you find the best-suited professional for your needs. A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and isn’t exclusively a real estate agent. A real estate agent is licensed to help during real estate transactions, using their local expertise and professional network to help buyers and sellers alike.
FAVORABLE QUALITIES IN A REALTOR
Before hiring a real estate agent, you’ll want to ensure they possess agreeable qualities. For instance, you’ll want to conduct business with an agent who’s trustworthy and honest. Here are the qualities you should seek in a real estate agent to ensure smooth sailing when conducting real estate transactions:
HONESTY, TRANSPARENCY, AND INTEGRITY
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No questions asked—you must be able to trust your realtor. They’ll be your closest confidant through every step of the home selling or buying process, so you need to make sure that they have your best interest in mind. You want to hire someone who’s extremely communicative, has a proven track record, and can show you past client testimonials. Ask the realtor for references so you can hear first-hand accounts of people who have worked with them in the past. In addition, inquire about their experience in various facets of selling and buying property. Note that an excellent realtor will go the extra mile in every situation. From finding you the perfect Chesapeake real estate to selling your home for top dollar, a great realtor will approach every transaction with class, care, and integrity. Fortunately, members of the NAR must practice high ethical standards, making membership an instant seal of approval.
DEDICATION
Being persistent and dedicated is an integral part of being a realtor. At their core, an agent should be ready to do what it takes to get your house sold or find you the property of your dreams. Someone committed to their work, has plenty of experience, and is willing to go the extra mile is indeed an excellent realtor.
COMPASSION
Your best interest always comes first, and a great realtor will advocate for your needs in every transaction. A great realtor has more than a proven track record and client testimonials. Ask yourself, “can I work with this person?” Whether you’re buying or selling, these emotional processes can be quite stress-inducing, so finding someone who can be pragmatic and sympathetic is vital. An esteemed agent will ask you a plethora of questions regarding what’s most important to you, showing that they care about your needs and goals above all else.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE
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A realtor must be familiar with the local market where you’re buying or selling a residence. They’ll be well-versed in how to approach a sale or purchase based on whether the market is in favor of buyers, sellers, or neutral. For instance, if the Chesapeake real estate market is competitive, your realtor will know how to navigate it so that you place a favorable offer on a home you wish to purchase, or how to create a pristine listing that’ll have buyers lining up to buy your property. In addition, an exceptional realtor develops a niche in the local market to stand out from the competition. Note that at some point during the home selling/buying process, you’ll need additional help beyond what your realtor can provide, such as a real estate attorney, a home inspection professional, and so on.
NEGOTIATION SKILLS
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The ability to negotiate is a key aspect of a realtor’s career. Your agent will need to be able to negotiate listing prices, selling prices, and the commission they receive. Excellent realtors understand they need to get creative to get homes sold, make compromises with buyers to sell in difficult markets, and navigate additional transactions with gumption and skill to ensure every party is happy with the results. No matter the real estate market condition, an excellent realtor will be able to negotiate on your behalf.
PAYS CLOSE ATTENTION TO DETAILS
Whether you’re buying or selling a property, there are intricate details that a realtor must be aware of. An excellent realtor is familiar with every little task and detail required during every transaction—nothing is missed, and everything is approached with utmost professionalism and know-how.
EXPERIENCE
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Experience is a must. Here are some essential questions to ask a realtor before hiring: How many homes do you sell annually on average? How many years have you been in the real estate business? Do you have a firm grasp of the Chesapeake real estate market? Can you go over the contract with me, highlighting the crucial points? Be prepared with a list of questions to ask before choosing a realtor to work closely with—this could mean the difference between making a costly mistake or finding the Chesapeake home of your wildest dreams.
When seeking a top real estate agent to assist you when buying or selling Chesapeake real estate, contact Brandon Carney today.
