How to select a realtor?

Purchasing a home can be a daunting task.  It quite possibly is the biggest financial decision you will make.  How do your choose a realtor? Believe it or not, some people don't put much thought into who they will use.  Some people choose their realtor because their mom plays Bunco with this lady. Or, my neighbor's, best friend's, girl friend's step-uncle is a realtor, use him!

Obviously, we would LOVE for you to use us! But before you do, ask some questions.  We would love to meet with you and discuss these questions.

1. Referrals: who have you worked with? Did the process go well?  Would you work with them again?

2. Interview: meet with a 2-3 different realtors.  Get a feel of their personalities and see if you will work well with them.  Again, this is a big investment and you MUST feel comfortable with the person. Does the person work full time in the real estate market or part time?

3. Work schedule: some realtors go in late and go home early. Successful realtors don't do this.  Successful realtors work all the time and are constantly on the lookout for properties for their clients, answering calls and emails.  How often do you want to hear from your realtor?

4. Agreement: you will need to sign an agreement between you and the realtor.  This protects all parties involved.  If for some reason you decide he or she isn't the right realtor for you, all you need to do is tell them you would like to cancel the agreement.  No biggie, not all relationships work.

5. Financing: your realtor isn't a loan officer.  Many realtors have loan officers they are familiar with and work with on a consistent basis.  They can make recommendations for you.  But remember, they can't give you financial advice.

6. Home inspection: your realtor should be able to give you a list of home inspectors to choose from. We are not licensed home inspectors, so please be sure to hire an independent, 3rd party to inspect your purchase.

7. Emotions: when selling your home, try to let go of the emotions.  Yes, you raised your children in this home, it was your first home or an array of other emotional things happened here.  But the soon to be buyers aren't aware of all of this and don't need to be aware of it.  If someone tours your home and comes back with some negative remarks, look for the constructive criticism in it and see how you can use the information to improve your home for the next showing.  Lastly, don't shoot the messenger, your realtor.  He/she is doing their job when they share the comments with you.  Appreciate their honesty.

8. Communication: when interviewing your realtor, you need to find one that communicates in the same manner you do.  Do you text, email or call?  What does your realtor do?  Make sure they are compatible. This also means when looking at home, be as specific as possible for what you are looking for and what you do and don't like about homes he/she sends to you for review.  Your realtor can't read your mind.

9. Make a friend: when looking for homes and selling your property, you will spend a lot of time with your realtor.  Make sure you LIKE them.  If you don't communicate well with them, don't hire them. If they aren't listening to your wants and needs?  Why did you choose them? You want to work with someone that you feel comfortable with and has your best interest first and foremost.