Choosing a realtor to help you sell or buy a home may seem like a simple task, but that isn’t always the case. Unless you already know a realtor, you could end up having a difficult time trying to narrow down your choices and make a decision. How do you find a good realtor? Let us count the ways.
You may think that all Long Island realtors are the same, but obviously they're not. Don't just pick a realtor without considering all your options. This is one of the most important steps you need to take when you're buying or selling a home on Long Island. Remember to learn and identify these key attributes of a good realtor.
A good realtor is someone who…
…loves to negotiate.
Receiving assistance in negotiating prices is why using a realtor to buy a Long Island home is so important. You may not realize that the home is really overpriced or that the sellers are extremely motivated to close the sale. Consequently, a realtor who thrives on doing this would benefit you and your wallet.
…pays attention.
Similar to the qualities that make a good mortgage loan originator, a key attribute of an effective realtor is their ability to pay attention to what a client really wants, as well as how much a client can truly afford. This can make the process go much smoother because you won’t waste time visiting homes that are too small or too large for your liking, are not in your ideal neighborhood, or are way out of your price range.
Plus, realtors who are detail-oriented will go out of their way to watch out for homes that come on the market with the small, but significant, features that you’re looking for. For example, if you love older homes, a good realtor will take notice of houses that exude charm and contain vintage elements.
…is proactive.
A realtor who is always looking for more listings to show their clients is someone that you want to work with. If you hire a realtor who isn't constantly checking for new listings or doesn’t communicate with you regularly, finding a new home will be a lot more frustrating than it has to be.
…puts the client first.
Another important quality of a good realtor is their dedication to helping every client. Long Island realtors who listen to what their clients want will go the extra mile to find the right home for them.
…is enthusiastic.
When you enjoy what you do for a living, it shows. If you hire a realtor who doesn’t seem to care about what you want or isn't up to date with the housing market, you may not have much luck finding a home that fits your needs and falls under budget. And if you're selling your current home, you may not get a good price if your realtor could care less.
…is recommended.
One way to find a reputable realtor is to ask around. Chances are you know a few people who worked with a realtor before. Ask them what it was like working with their realtor and whether they would want to hire that same realtor ever again. Then take it from there. Would they recommend their realtor for you? If they had a positive experience, you may want to get more information. If they had a negative experience, at least you’ll know whom not to consider.
