5 Tips to Help You Find the Right Broker

Whether you’re looking to sell, buy, or both, you need to know your broker has your best interests in mind and has the expertise and experience to help you succeed. The best realtors provide you with constant updates, brainstorm creative buying/selling techniques, provide you with all the possible listings you might consider and just generally act as your confidante and partner. Your real estate experience will be much more fruitful and enjoyable if you find the right fit for you.

How do you find the right person? Sometimes it’s a gut feeling, but before you make any major decisions, consider how important the following attributes are and look for a broker who embodies these characteristics:

Communication is key: Brokers, no matter how busy, have a responsibility to you: one they agreed to. A professional real estate agent will make him or herself available to you and will be willing to have the tough conversations with you, as well as the easy ones. Real estate is a timely business and a good broker understands the importance of picking up the phone. A broker who doesn’t have time for you is one you don’t have time for.

Keeping you informed and up to date: Again, communication is key. There should be precedent set from the moment the partnership is entered into. You need to keep one another informed, no matter how small the details are. Transparency is very important with such a big transaction – and your broker should always be keeping you in the loop. Even if there’s nothing new to report, it’s nice to know that things are going according to schedule, or if there’s a hold-up, why a delay is happening and what the suggested solution might be.

Knowledge of the market and the inventory: Your broker needs to go above and beyond for you. She should have her finger on the pulse of the market. It’s a fast moving business and whether you are buying or selling, you need to have the latest information in order to make good decisions. This includes getting the scoop on a new listing so you’re first in the door or re-strategizing on the listing price if market conditions change.

Proven track record: Knowing the ins and outs of the market and the local back stories are benefits of working with an experienced broker who really gets her local market. Do your research before selecting your realtor. Check out their online presence, get referrals from locals. If you’re relocating, ask your new company for direction. Your homework will be rewarded when you find yourself working with a professional who sees the whole picture and can help you navigate the process from start to finish through dedication, organization and consistency.

The art of negotiation and problem solving: Another benefit of working with an expert is being able to depend on his or her skills. As in life, stuff happens. If you surround yourself with expert professionals who are able to think outside of the box and have the wherewithal to adapt to unexpected situations, your transaction will have a better chance of a successful resolution. Additionally, a true professional will have built strong relationships with his peers, translating into a better experience for you. Whether you are buying or selling, having a broker who is respected by the real estate community will open doors for you.

If you’re just about to list or buy a home, use these directives as a guideline to find the best suited sales agent for you for your real estate transaction. With a little work on both your parts, yours should be a winning proposition.