Whether you’re buying or selling, finding an outstanding realtor matters. But when you’re selling and making the most on the sale of your property counts, it’s even more important. So how do you find that knock-it-out-of-the-park realtor? You look for some specific traits that all awesome realtors share.
What is their knowledge of the area?
A great realtor is very familiar with and knowledgeable about the area. They understand the nuances of your local housing market and how to use them to your advantage. They know what sells and how to sell it. But more importantly, they know how to take something that might be harder to sell and make it more appealing to the market.
Market knowledge is especially useful in areas where inventory is low and demand is high. For example, Scottsdale real estate is incredibly hot in 2021, and an experienced and knowledgeable Scottsdale Realtor is super valuable.
How long have they been there?
Familiarity and knowledge of the market and the area are great. But anyone can spend some time researching and gain enough knowledge to be familiar with an area. Someone who’s lived in the area for a long time will know things that research can’t turn up, like the best little Mom & Pop coffee shop or the pop-up flea market that all the neighbors in a neighborhood contribute to. And it’s those little details that can help you realize a neighborhood will feel like home.
What type of marketing do they do if they are going to list your property?
If they have a real estate license and put your house’s listing on the MLS, technically, they’ve marketed your home. But it’s the least they can do. There are many other things they can do that will market your home much better and faster. They can do digital marketing, email drips, postcards, open houses, and more. All of these draw much more attention to your house and increase the chances of someone making an offer.
Do they have access to well-vetted services?
At the most basic job description, a real estate agent’s job is to sell real estate. But an awesome realtor knows that selling your home is only one part of a huge process. You might need to do renovations or repairs. You need to stage the home to look nice. You need to move out once it’s sold.
An awesome real estate agent has an entire network of well-vetted services like contractors, home staging companies, moving companies, inspectors, appraisers, and mortgage brokers. They have access to these people when they need them and they know the process so well, they reach out and start scheduling and arranging well in advance so you get the best of the best.
Do they have a sincere interest in houses?
Being a real estate agent can be a lucrative career choice. But if the only reason an agent got into real estate is for the money, it’ll show. On the other hand, if they have a sincere interest in houses, their enthusiasm will shine.
They’ll point out the tiny details that make a home unique, beautiful, or a great investment. They’ll know things about home building that other agents might not and that can mean they make sales that others don’t. Offering tidbits of info that other agents don’t can impress buyers and sellers alike.
Do they have a problem solver mindset?
If a home is older, will need significant repairs or renovations, is in a less-than-desirable location (such as next to a garbage dump or sewage plant), it can be harder to sell. An incredible real estate agent knows how to showcase that house and make it more marketable. They can come up with creative MLS listings that make that home seem like the only home someone should ever want to buy. Great real estate agents don’t see problems; they see a chance to get creative and turn a negative into something amazing.
Do they pay attention to detail?
Most real estate agents aren’t working with just one client at a time. They’re usually juggling multiple clients and that means keeping track of a lot of tiny details. An awesome realtor is organized, follows up with leads, communicates well and pays attention to their client’s needs. A realtor who doesn’t pay attention to detail can cost someone thousands – potentially in favor of you, but also possibly against you.
Do they keep in touch?
A great realtor doesn’t leave you in limbo, wondering what’s going on with the sale of your home. They return your calls, texts, or emails promptly. They give you as much detail as they can and when they can’t answer a question, they tell you that honestly and when they can have the answer for you.
More importantly, they don’t always wait for you to reach out to them. They initiate contact frequently to ensure you’re kept in the loop, that your questions are answered, and that you’re confident in what’s happening.
Are they a good negotiator?
Selling a home isn’t always as simple as listing it for a price, being offered that price, signing some paperwork, and walking away. Some buyers will offer less than you want. They might ask for contingencies. Or you might need to ask for contingencies or want to counter an offer. Negotiating is often a big part of selling a home.
A realtor who just goes along with whatever happens might be able to sell your home, but neither you nor your buyer are likely to walk away feeling like you got a good deal. A great realtor knows how to negotiate. They know how to counter offers, make concessions, and find compromises. Perhaps most importantly, they know when a deal is the best it’s going to be and to continue trying to negotiate will destroy it. And they’ll guide you to negotiate or not based on that.
Selling your home is a big deal. You don’t want to put that process in the hands of someone who doesn’t genuinely love what they do and want to see their clients getting everything they deserve. Meeting with multiple realtors and evaluating them based on these traits can help you choose a real estate agent who thrives on seeing their clients not just satisfied, but thrilled with the sale of their home.