Disclaimer – Portions of the Following were Taken From an article in The North Platte Telegraph.
The true value of a good realtor is evident to anyone who’s been through the process of buying or selling any kind of real estate.
A good realtor will become a true asset to people who want to get the very best from their transaction. Not only can a realtor help you find or sell real estate, these professionals are also trained to assist you with every step – no matter how tedious.
But, as with any profession, some realtors are better than others. Be sure you make the right choice when selecting a realtor. Buying or selling real estate is to momentous a decision to get wrong. Here are some tips that can help.
Where to Start Looking
Talk to people in your social network for referrals to find out the good real estate professionals in your area. Recommendations are one of the best ways to find a qualified real estate agent.
In some cases, agents are good at helping clients to purchase real estate, but they may not be as skilled at selling it, or vice versa. Or they may be highly skilled at both, just remember this as you search for the right professional for your situation.
Comfort Level
When you have your first consultation with a prospective real estate professional, focus on your comfort level while interacting with them.
Do you get the feeling they are genuinely concerned about your needs? Or are they focused on their commission? Do they know the current housing market, Ag land market, commercial market or whatever area you are looking into? Can they negotiate a contract?
Is is important that you feel comfortable with the agent. You must trust that this person can behave ethically and help you secure a good deal.
Communication and Planning
Your agent should be an effective communicator. If you are selling real estate, your agent should be able to develop an effective marketing plan, explain it to you, and respond to any questions or concerns you have.
The marketing plan will probably involve placing advertisements either in print, radio, online and/or social media and/or if applicable conducting open houses to invite the public for home viewings.
If you are purchasing real estate, the agent should listen to your guidelines and price ranges.
Above all, your real estate agent needs to provide updates on progress. Do not work with someone who does not return phone calls or emails.
Conclusion
The bottom line is we all like to do business with people we like and trust. So if you take anything from this go out and find someone that you like not only as a real estate agent, but also as a person and you would trust with your life savings. Because when you think about it, when you are dealing with real estate, you are more than likely dealing with your life savings.
And when you find them, be sure and keep all their contact information, you never know when you may want to use them again and/or you may just want to refer other people to them.
Good Luck and Happy Selling & Buying!