Most people start their home buying search by looking at sites such as Realtor.com, Zillow or Trulia. That’s completely fine and gets you excited about what is on the market, but Step 1 to buying a home should be hiring a Realtor to represent you.
Searching online at Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc. on your own takes a LOT of time. A Realtor can set you up for an automatic search via the MLS (Multiple Listing System). This means that each day (or how often you want to receive the search results) you’ll be emailed a list of all new properties matching your criteria or price reductions which now put a property in your budget. This is a HUGE time saver. And if you’re in a market, like the Denver Area, where great properties sell in a matter of days, it can be an enormous advantage to be able to get in and to see a property within a day or two of it going on the market.
So, how do you find and choose a Realtor?
Hopefully you will contact our team at 303-667-9442 or Cory at Cory@wilksrealestate.com so we can meet in person and see if we are a good fit. Remember, not all Realtors are right for all people. You need to find someone who is not only great at their job, but someone you like. You are going to be spending a lot of time with this person, get together, have coffee, and chat. You are interviewing this person and will want to know what experience they have, their customer service philosophy and if they have the understanding of the market that you’re looking for.
Meet In Person
When you meet with the Realtor in person, ask them these questions for hiring a Realtor:
- What do you know about this area?
- Are you a full time Realtor?
- How long have you been in real estate?
- How many clients have you worked with this year?
- What is your average Days on Market?
- What is your average list to sales price ratio?
- What tools do you have especially for sellers?
- What areas do you primarily work?
- Will you be showing our home or will it be on a lockbox?
- How do you negotiate deals?
- Do you attend the home inspection?
- Do you handle the inspection negotiations?
- Do you attend the walk through?
- Do you attend the closing?
- What qualities differentiate you from other Realtors?
Most importantly, be honest with each Realtor. Only when Realtors have a complete picture can they come up with the best strategy to fit your situation. Lastly, trust your gut.
Sign the paperwork
Once you’ve picked a Realtor, expect to sign a listing agreement which will officially hire that Realtor to represent you. That starts the ball rolling to get shopping for the home of your dreams.
If you have any questions, contact us at (303) 667-9442.