Whether you’re helping an elderly relative sell/buy a home or you’re looking to purchase one for yourself, it’s no secret that it isn’t an easy feat. It’s a big step in life that requires careful planning, and it’s essential that you are comfortable with the entire process. 

This is why it’s always best to recruit the help and advice of a professional. Reliable realtors are key people who can make the process convenient and efficient for you and your family. It’s their responsibility to help you find or sell properties at the best possible price while assisting you in making offers and negotiations. 

But where does one begin in the process of finding a dependable and trustworthy realtor? If you’re wondering how to choose a real estate agent, read on, because this guide will get you started! 

Get Referrals From Your Family and Friends

One of the top answers to the question, “how to find a realtor,” is often found within your network of friends and family. They might be able to recommend a real estate agent that they have previously worked with. Ideally, you would want a referral who can help you with your specific needs.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before choosing a realtor:

  • Are you looking to downsize or upsize?
  • Are you a first-time buyer or seller?
  • Are you selling your own home or that of your elderly relatives?
  • What kind of neighbourhood are you looking for? 

Finding a real estate agent with experience inclined with your preferences would help you kickstart your property selling or buying venture.

A couple looks over a contract with their real estate agent

Meet With at Least Four Real Estate Agents

Interviewing at least four real estate agents is vital when it comes to getting a sense of the real estate agent’s style, personality, and experience. When it comes down to it, you need to choose a realtor who is familiar with a particular area and understands your preferences. 

One way to observe if they are the right real estate agent for you is by the quality of their proposal. If you notice the right amount of effort and professionalism put into their proposal, then the odds are that they will do the same when working with you. 

Holding interviews will give you the opportunity to become further acquainted with the realtor and the ability to ask your questions while finding out their preferred method of communication and schedules. For instance, if you like calls more than text messages, then you need to find a realtor who is comfortable with the same. 

Request References

Ask your prospect realtors to provide information on properties that they have listed and sold within the past year. By doing this, you can choose a realtor with the best techniques and performance. 

Check if They Are Certified

When real estate agents are certified it means that they have completed a specific type of training in particular real estate fields. 

If you are helping someone elderly liquidate their assets by selling their property, you need to enlist the help of SRES certified realtors, also known as Senior Real Estate Specialists. Our team at Your Next Steps consists of professional real estate agents who are experienced in assisting seniors in the sale of their homes and helping them transition into a new residence. 

SRES sales personnel are specially trained to understand the different preferences and capabilities of our clients in order to ensure that they find the right place to call their new home.

A house for sale

Trust Your Instincts

Getting all the facts and information is important in learning how to choose a realtor. Their knowledge and experience are top factors to take into account, but another element that you should consider is what your gut tells you. 

This is where you need to listen to what your intuition tells you. If you don’t connect with your realtor on a personal level as much as you do on a professional level, then it’s best to keep looking. Keep in mind that this is a person you will be dealing with throughout the entirety of your property sale and purchasing process, so pick a realtor you can fully trust. Chemistry is key.

Read Your Contract Carefully

Have you successfully deciphered how to choose a real estate agent? Congratulations! 

The next step is to take a close look at your contract. It should clearly contain all the terms to which you have agreed. This includes the real estate commission, which is typically 5 to 6% of the sales price. The next step you need to take is to take a look at the length of the whole contract. Ideally, this should not be more than six months in duration. This is due to the fact that it traditionally takes around 30 days to sell a home in a competitive seller’s market.  

How to Pick a Realtor With Your Next Steps

Established from the compassion of a trio of strong and brilliant women, Your Next Steps Inc. specializes in all-around senior relocation services. Being a senior downsizing company that cares about its clients and the community, you can rely on our team to be there every step of the way in your new transitions in life. 

Our team of real estate professionals offer skill and dependability that you can lean on.

From contract signing to moving day, we will be there to help you successfully take your next steps. Give us a call today to learn more about our real estate services.