Your Realtor can be an incredible resource. With their knowledge and experience in the real estate market, they can make the home buying or selling process so much easier, giving you peace of mind while saving you time and money.
Before you select a Realtor, it’s important to make sure you’re working with someone who’s knowledgeable. Here are the questions to ask to determine if a Real Estate agent is a good fit for you:
How long have you been an agent?
Experience goes a long way in real estate. A seasoned agent knows how to negotiate and what problems to expect. They’ve also developed key relationships with other professionals in their sphere of influence.
Do you work as a full-time agent?
If the agent works in real estate full time, they’ll have more time to dedicate to you and your needs than one who works part-time.
Do you work with both buyers and sellers?
An agent who does both can be a great source of information and will be able to provide you with more resources than one who specializes in either buying or selling.
How long do you typically work with buyers?
There are a lot of factors that determine how long it takes to find your dream home. An experienced real estate agent will be able to explain what you should expect based on your needs and the current market. In general, if the agent takes more than six months on average to find clients’ homes, it may be time to consider finding someone new to represent you.
To find the right Realtor for your specific needs, here are some more questions you should ask.
Downsizing? Ask This
If you’re downsizing for yourself or helping a loved one downsize, you’ll want a Realtor who understands the financial considerations involved.
Downsizing doesn’t always mean saving money—you could buy a smaller house in a more expensive area. Find out how familiar the agent is with the value of your current neighborhood versus your next neighborhood.
Ask if the agent has helped other families to downsize. Can they recommend anyone to help you with estate sales, moving, or storage?
Moving to a Bigger Home? Ask This
Before you start shopping for a bigger home, think about why you want that bigger home. Did your family grow too large for your current place? Is your elderly parent moving in? Do you love to cook and want a bigger kitchen? These reasons will determine where you need more space in your new home.
Once you have a good idea of what you’re looking for, you can find a Realtor to help you find your dream home. You can ask your potential agent about the best areas to get the space you want. When upsizing, it’s important that your agent is knowledgeable about the different neighborhoods.
You should also ask your agent about resale value. You’re upsizing now, but someday you may choose to downsize again.
Moving to AZ? Ask This
If you’re new to Arizona, it’s imperative that you have a Realtor who knows the area well. You’ll need advice on where to find what you’re looking for. Before you hire, ask the agent if they can recommend any areas based on your needs, such as budget, home size, and any other features that you can’t live without.
If you’re ready to find an experienced Arizona Realtor, connect with me today. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have.