Here’s a list of 13 things you need to know before hiring a realtor based on my 25+ years in real estate.
#1 Full time
This one’s really easy, you NEED someone who’s working in real estate full time. Full time and not as a side hustle!
#2 Experience & Education
This one is also a no-brainer. I want somebody who has at least 10 years of experience and cares enough about their clients that they constantly pursue more education than is required just to hold a license
#3 Credentials
Credentials related to education, for example: to have a CRS designation, the agent had to have completed an extensive amount of education over a 5 year period. And that’s just one credential.
#4 Professional Reputation
Before hiring a realtor look at their reputation. I look for an agent who has a great reputation and is well respected amongst other agents and professionals related to the real estate world.
#5 Client reviews
Yay for Google creating a platform with 5-star reviews. If I’m looking for a house in San Diego, I’m definitely looking for a realtor with great reviews, and I’m going to read everything that those clients say about that agent.
#6 Exceptional service
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#7 Problem-Solving Skills
Something I’ve noticed in the last 28 years of helping our clients buy homes, is that there are about 88 common types of things that can go wrong. An experienced agent knows how to overcome these obstacles because they have great problem-solving skills.
#8 Clear Direction
Look, life is stressful, and buying a house makes it even more stressful. And sometimes it’s hard to even know what you’re supposed to do. For me, it’s imperative that the agent I’m working with isn’t afraid to give me absolute, clear, concise direction on what I need to do next. Basically, tell me – what’s my next step?
#9 A Sympathetic Ear
in everything in life, I want a person who listens with empathy, has the wisdom to know where I am right now, and will respond with understanding and solutions. I expect the same from my real estate agent.
#10 Choice & Options
When something goes wrong, you know, one of those 88 things we mentioned before, I want choices and options, on how to resolve, it so I can make the best decision for me.
#11 Skilled negotiator
This is not about haggling for the best price. I want an agent who listens and communicates with a win-win mentality because at the end of the day, I want to buy that house! And the seller’s concerns and my concerns may not have anything to do with price.
#12 Professional Input & Sage Advice
This comes from the last 11 items we just discussed. I want an agent with the authenticity to tell you what I need to hear, with brutal honesty, even when I don’t want to hear it. Even though it’s lower on the list it’s an absolute must before hiring a realtor.
#13 Character & Integrity
This is not something that you can teach. Think about it. You know the people in your life, the ones that have great moral character and integrity. Why would you accept anything less than that, in an agent? I know I won’t.
The magic power of 13
