Choosing the right Realtor does make a difference

When you're looking to hire a Realtor, sometimes it's hard to
know where to even begin. Buying or selling a home is not something to be done
lightly, and having the right professional in your corner will make all the
difference when it comes to giving you options you didn't even know you were
missing. Of course, you want a Realtor with experience and expertise, but we'd
like to tell you a few more things to consider before settling on your real
estate representative.

The first thing
to consider is whether you are hiring a real estate agent or a registered Realtor.
Believe it or not, there is a difference. A real estate agent is anyone who
earns a real estate license by taking a certain number of classes required by
their state. A Realtor however, is a real estate agent who is a member of the
National Association of REALTORS®, which means that he or she must uphold the
standards of the association and its code of ethics.

Another aspect to consider is whether
they work full time or only part time. Jumping on the perfect deal usually
requires a constant eye on the market. If your Realtor has another job, or is
only active on the weekends, for example, chances are they you'd be missing
prime opportunities in their off time. As a client, feel free to look as far
ahead as you can and even ask them to lay out exactly what their marketing plan
is. The dedicated Realtors are the ones
that are going to be constantly putting themselves out there for you and your
family's needs.

One of the other
important factors is how familiar the Realtor is with your area. Make sure they
understand the local market, and feel free to verify that they know what they
are talking about by asking plenty of questions. You want a Realtor that knows
the area they work in, or lives in the town they serve. You need an agent that
knows their area inside and out and can answer your questions about school,
local restaurants or who can provide local services. It's also always a good
idea so search for references, and see what others say about the agent in
question. Try to find out their listing to sold ratio. Especially these days,
it is easy to find reviews and information on a Realtor. Which brings us to the
next thing to make sure your Realtor has; a strong web presence and use of
today's modern tools. Ask about what networks your potential Realtor has access
to, in order to ensure that your home is actually being seen, and that you see
absolutely everything available in the area you are looking for.

Finally, the most
important thing is to find a Realtor that you trust. It's tempting to go with
someone you know or are related to and sometimes that works out just fine, but
your priority should first be to find the right person to get you the most that
you can. And when you find the right person for the job, you'll know because you'll
feel relaxed knowing that your future is secure.