Buying or selling a home is a daunting task. The realtor you hire is who represents you,
providing guidance and negotiating on your behalf. Picking the right realtor is crucial
to a successful transaction.
My focus is almost exclusively in the three most sought-after tropical locations in the state – Palm Beach,
Broward & Miami-Dade – I’ll be your guide to the best real estate opportunities in South Florida’s
amazing combination of family beach fun, sophisticated metro lifestyle and a vibrant multicultural
atmosphere.
I am fully bilingual in English & Spanish, and able to communicate in Portuguese and French
if necessary. So give me a call at (954) 465-8591 and allow me to offer you a distinct advantage
in your search for your next real estate transaction.
What should you look for in a Realtor?
Communication
Active realtors are rarely at their desks. Work with someone who returns calls/emails in a timely fashion. There is nothing more aggravating than calling about a house, or an offer, and not hearing back for three or four days. If a realtor is ‘too busy’ to return your call within 24 hours, they are probably too busy to properly represent you.
Get someone who listens to you. Is the realtor asking you about what you want? Or trying to sell you what they have? Often, they will encourage you to purchase a more expensive home than you want if they know you qualify. Realtors who listen and ask a lot of questions, focusing on what YOU want, are more likely to help you achieve your goals.
Need help with screening potential realtors? Here are very some important Questions You Should Ask Your Realtor before you hire.
Dedication
Being a realtor is a full time job. Hobbyists or part time realtors are unable to invest the time necessary to resolve problems that crop up during negotiations or inspections, as well as any issues that occur after closing. By hiring a full time realtor, you insure that their attention and services are available full time to you.
Market Knowledge
Having a knowledgeable realtor is an advantage to you. You are looking for a person that is a specialist in your market.
A realtor with consistent sales in a community has market insight that can save you money. Your realtor should be a walking, talking neighborhood directory of pertinent, and useful, information. They should be able to assist you in locating service technicians, a great salon or a pet-sitter. They should know the neighborhood’s history, the trends associated with it and where the locals grab a beer on Friday. They should be able to tell you what the average home sold for in the neighborhood and what comparable homes are listed for. They should be able to explain discrepancies in value and market conditions.
Technology Expertise
Top agents utilize technology to its fullest to help them stay informed and to communicate with their clients. E-mail, smart phones, electronic newsletters, websites, digital photography and video allow agents to share properties that they’ve previewed, provide feedback and keep clients updated on developments.
What is your realtor’s marketing plan (newspapers, magazines, a sign in the yard, online listings, etc.)? Check how your realtor ranks in search listings for your neighborhood via one of the online search engines, i.e. Google, Realtor.com and Yahoo. Look at their listings for other properties. How easy is it to find their listings? How easy is it to navigate their website? Are the properties presented in an aesthetically pleasing, professional manner?
Teamwork
It is preferable to find a realtor that has a support staff and extensive resources at their disposal. An agent with a network of professionals at their disposal can provide you with choices regarding a good handyman, insurance agent, mortgage broker, home inspector, real estate attorney, etc.
A realtor with a trained support staff will be able to handle your transaction more efficiently. They have more time to work for you.
Reputation
Get a well-respected agent. Agents make better deals with agents they respect, trust and enjoy working with. Often family, friends or business associates may recommend a realtor based on personal friendship or second-hand knowledge. But that is not enough.
Ask for and check references thoroughly with former clients. Past and current clients speak volumes. Ask them for the names and number of prior clients. Contact those individuals to get feedback. Check out the realtor’s membership and standing with local and national realtor associations.
Character & Personality
Get a people-oriented agent with passion, creativity, enthusiasm, dedication and exceptional problem-solving skills. They are more likely to go the extra mile on your behalf even when the going gets tough. Look for someone who can write purchase offers that entice the seller and satisfy the buyer. Professionalism is key.
Integrity & Trustworthiness
There are certain professions where trust is of the utmost importance. Like lawyers, doctors and stock brokers, realtors must be trusted by their clients to be effective. A good realtor with a proven track record you feel comfortable with is a key asset working on your behalf.
Focus on the client insures success, because the realtor business is based on commission and referrals. Take the time to find someone who you can trust. It will save you money and time, spare you stress and help you to achieve your goals.