Finding the perfect real estate agent is almost as important as the home purchase itself. Real estate agents are always the first point of contact when looking for a new home or moving to a new location all together, and finding the right one is essential to getting the right home in the right location.
Sometimes the matchmaking game can be a bit challenging with so many options in the real estate game, we’ve put together a list of how to find the right realtor for your needs.
Location, Location, Location
Finding the right realtor starts with location. Not only does the city where your new home is matter, but the neighborhood or suburb where your realtor is can make your home buying journey far more seamless and less stressful.
When vetting a potential realtor, look at their proverbial resume and see where they’ve done well selling homes and where their territories are. Real estate is a geographic game where realtors often engage in peaceful turf wars and are always looking to broaden the area in which they buy and sell. And while realtors are often looking to remain competitive, the industry is so tight-knit that many realtors will work with one another to help a buyer find a home in the right location for them and their families.
Honesty & Track Record
As with any relationship, you should look to find a trustworthy realtor with a steadfast track record of negotiating and selling homes. While it is highly unlikely that a dishonest realtor will have a very good track record, it pays to check their history and talk to past clients to get a reference. Any reputable realtor will be able to give you references from past clients, and those clients should be able to give you an honest opinion and honest feedback.
Look at where, when, and how fast a realtor is able to sell homes to better make your matchmaking judgment. A realtor with a relatively quick turnaround on homes and strong negotiation skills is highly likely to help you find the best deal on a home in a location that they have a very high IQ in.
Accessibility
We’re not talking about how easy it is to get to your realtor’s office, but how available they are to address your concerns, questions, and get answers to you in a timely fashion. If you’re a first-time homebuyer or if you’re getting back into the real estate game after renting for a number of years, you’ll have a lot of questions and getting those questions answered quickly will strengthen the relationship between you and your realtor.
Additionally, realtors can be a wealth of knowledge outside of simply buying and selling homes. Many realtors have a pulse on the mortgage market in their area and can help you shop local financial institutions and specific bankers to help find the best interest rates in town. With interest rates hovering around all-time lows, finding the best interest rate can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Which brings us to our next point.
Finding the Right Mortgage
A well-matched realtor can help you find your direction in a crowded mortgage market, but ultimately it will be up to you to find a mortgage solution that’s right for you and your family. This can be a little daunting so make the search easier by contacting Tidewater Mortgage Services.
The mortgage professionals at Tidewater can evaluate your personal finances, examine your options, and get you preapproved for a mortgage the same day you call. If swimming in the deep waters of the mortgage market aren’t exactly your thing, let the folks at Tidewater wade through the depths to help find a mortgage solution that works for you.
