If you’re ready to buy or sell a home, then it’s crucial you get started finding the right realtor for you.
But this isn’t as easy as it might seem. Even though there are about 2 million active real estate agents in the U.S. right now, not all of them are the right fit for you.
So how do you get started? We’ve got a 5-point checklist for you to help with exactly that! Let’s start finding the right realtor for you…
1. Get pre-approved for a loan if you’re looking to buy a home.
I know this sounds like it has nothing to do with finding a good realtor, but it does—I promise. Talking to a lender first and getting pre-approved will tell you the maximum amount you can borrow, which will help your realtor find houses in your price range.
If you aren’t buying a home, then of course you don’t need this step.
2. Ask your friends and family for referrals.
Your circle of family, friends, and even acquaintances is a great source for finding candidates. After all, finding the right realtor is, in many ways, a personal experience. This is the person you’ll be trusting to guide you through one of the most stressful experiences of your life.
3. Ask potential candidates what experience they have in your area.
Once you find 2 to 4 real estate agents you’re considering, follow up with them and ask them about their experience in your specific area.
Finding the right realtor for you means making sure they know the neighborhoods in your city like the back of their hands. They should know what areas are best for your family depending on the age range of your kids, your income level, and your school preferences.
4. Ask them what marketing tactics they’ll use to sell your house.
This step is only for those looking to sell their house right now. And if that’s you, this step is extremely important! Not all realtors use the same marketing tactics.
For instance, here at Team Foote, we use the most effective marketing strategies we’ve found to sell homes. Our marketing strategies are backed by data and real results. (What can I say? I’m an entrepreneur at heart! I work hardest with strategies I know will get results.)
For us, that looks like videos, staging with the best decorators, open house parties for the neighbors (with safety precautions in place), realtor networking, a strong digital presence for the home listing, and more.
But not all realtors use all these strategies. So make sure you ask this question.
5. Look at their reviews and testimonials.
A lot of realtors can talk a big talk, but what matters most is what their clients think and say. That’s why I encourage anyone buying or selling a home to look at reviews before going with a realtor.
If the candidate has a website, that’s a great place to start. Do they have testimonials on their website?
Next, check out websites like Zillow, Facebook, and Yelp, as well as Google reviews. Of course, there are some people who leave nasty comments and reviews just to be cruel, but if those are few and far between for a realtor you’re researching, then I wouldn’t put too much stock in them.
On Zillow, my team and I have over 100 reviews. These are full of honest feedback from our past clients about our experience. (And I’m proud to say most of them are beyond happy with their experience with us!) Browsing through these reviews gives you a real-life look at what it’s like to work with Team Foote.
Finding the Right Realtor Can Help You Achieve Your Real Estate Dreams
Once you’ve found the right realtor for you, you’re on your way to achieving your real estate goals. Whether you’re buying a house or selling your home, the right realtor can be the exact support and guide you need to make a deal that’s perfect for you.
If you’re in the San Diego area, the Jessica Foote & Associates team would be happy to serve you! Our team works hard to get our clients the best deals with as little stress as possible. We strongly believe buying and selling homes doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience—and we’re ready to prove it!
Click here to set up an introductory meeting and see if we’re a great fit for you!