Real estate is not only square meters, but also emotions, time and money. When it comes to selling or buying an apartment, house or commercial object, most people face the same question: do you need a realtor, and how to choose the right one?
The answer here is obvious: you can do without a specialist, but then everything will fall on your shoulders – from legal verification of documents to the search for buyers or a suitable option. And this is not only troublesome, but also risky. A good realtor saves months of your life, helps you avoid mistakes and makes the transaction process as safe as possible.
However, the market is full of both real professionals and casual people for whom real estate is just a way to make money. Therefore, it is important to be able to distinguish an experienced professional from a dilettante.
Why choosing a realtor matters
Many people underestimate the role of a realtor, believing that it is a middleman who simply brings the buyer and seller together. But in reality, his functions are much broader.
- Legal protection. Every piece of real estate has a history: liens, encumbrances, disputes between heirs. The realtor is obliged to check all documents so that there are no surprises after the transaction.
- Market valuation. Sellers often inflate the price, and buyers try to bring it down to a minimum. An experienced specialist is oriented in the market situation and knows the real value of the object.
- Saving time. Searching for options, calls, viewings, agreeing terms – all this takes weeks and months. Realtor takes organizational worries on himself.
- Negotiations. Not everyone knows how to negotiate. A professional has the techniques of persuasion and knows how to come to a favorable compromise.
- The client’s peace of mind. Knowing that there is a professional nearby reduces stress levels and allows you to focus on decision-making rather than on minutiae.
The wrong choice of a realtor, on the other hand, can lead to long delays, unfavorable terms or even litigation. Therefore, this issue should be taken as seriously as choosing a doctor or a lawyer.
What to pay attention to when choosing
Now let’s move on to the practical part: what qualities and parameters will help to determine a good realtor?
- Experience and specialization.
Real estate comes in many forms: secondary housing, new buildings, country houses, commercial premises. It is important that the agent has experience in exactly the segment you need. For example, a person who specializes in office rentals may not be as effective when selling an apartment. - Reputation.
Today it is easier than ever to check a specialist. Most realtors have pages in social networks, accounts on agency websites, mentions on forums. Read reviews, ask for examples of completed transactions. Reputations are built over the years and always leave a mark on the internet. - Communication.
One of the key factors is how quickly and conveniently the realtor gets in touch. If he answers calls and messages after twenty-four hours, the deal can proceed at the same pace. Pay attention to how he conducts the first conversation: whether he clearly states his thoughts, whether he knows how to listen, whether he asks clarifying questions. - Terms of cooperation.
Don’t hesitate to ask about the commission, the terms of the contract and the possibility of its termination. A decent specialist will always explain everything transparently. If an agent avoids direct answers, it is a red flag. - Personal Understanding.
Intuition in this matter plays not the least role. Even the most experienced realtor will not bring results if you with him unpleasant to communicate. Mutual trust and the feeling of “we are on the same side” – an important component of successful cooperation.
Checklist for interview questions
Before you sign a contract, conduct a short interview. This is not a formality, but a tool that will help you understand if the realtor is right for you.
- How many transactions have you closed in my neighborhood in the last year? This question shows not only experience, but also knowledge of the local market.
- How will you go about finding buyers/property?? Every professional should have a strategy, from posting listings to a personal client base.
- How quickly do you typically return calls and messages?? If an agent is busy, they may have an assistant or team – clarify this point.
- Who exactly will handle my transaction? Sometimes you sign a contract with one person and work with another.
- Is there an opportunity to terminate the contract before the deadline? This is an important point if you suddenly realize that cooperation is not working out.
A good specialist will calmly and openly answer all questions. Moreover, he or she will ask you a lot of follow-up questions to understand your goals and expectations.
How not to make the wrong choice
Even after the interview, there are doubts. To prevent them from turning into mistakes, pay attention to “red flags”.
- Hurry and pressure. If an agent convinces you to “settle sooner,” it means he or she only cares about the commission, not your interests.
- Vague payment terms. When the commission is vaguely described and the costs “can be discussed later,” you’re likely in for some unpleasant surprises.
- Lack of understanding of your goals. If the realtor does not go into your wishes and offers what is “just available,” it is unlikely that he will help you find the best option.
- Too many promises. Phrases like “we will sell in a week at the maximum price” should be wary. A real professional always assesses the market soberly and talks about possible risks.
If you do enter into a contract and realize you’ve made a mistake, don’t delay. Study the terms of termination and discuss them with the agent. Sometimes an honest conversation is enough to make things right, and sometimes it’s better to change agents than to waste time.
Conclusion
Choosing a realtor is a process that requires attention and thoughtfulness. You can not rely only on the recommendations of acquaintances or the first advertisement. Do your own research, ask direct questions, listen to your feelings.
A good realtor will be your ally, will facilitate a complex process and help you achieve a result that will be beneficial to you. And a competent choice today is peace of mind and confidence tomorrow.
