For most things in life, it pays to shop around. When it comes to hiring a real estate agent, however, most people forget this simple advice, and that can be a mistake. Hiring the right agent can make all the difference in how smoothly your buying and selling process goes. It’s important to remember that the agent who was right for your coworker or cousin may not be right for you. Here are three more reasons why you should always shop around before, well, shopping around for a house.
1) Expertise to match your needs and goals – Referrals are great, but if the realtor your coworker used specializes in a neighborhood or property type that is not at all aligned with what you’re looking for, that agent may not be in the best position to help you. You need an agent who knows your market inside and out. It can be surprising to homebuyers just how different the real estate landscape can be depending on where you’re shopping and the type of property you are looking for.
2) Ensuring “fit” – While you don’t’ have to be best buds with your agent, you want someone you can trust and with whom you feel comfortable having honest conversations with about your financial and personal goals. After all, a major home transaction is on the line, and it is essential that you have someone on your side who understands you, puts your interests first, and will commit to the hard work required to make your dream home a reality.
3) Reset your expectations – Speaking with multiple realtors can be just as important for you in ensuring that you have realistic expectations about the process and a more complete picture of how long it could take, what offers you might get, and other important steps in the selling or purchasing process. When you speak with just one realtor, you are limited by their perspective and abilities, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it may color your reality and you may end up being surprised down the road.
Interviewing multiple realtors may feel unnecessary, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor that could help you save money and ultimately land the home of your dreams. At Drew Kern, we’re always happy to field your questions and help you get a better understanding of the market here in South Florida. Don’t hesitate to get in touch at any time.