A Real Estate Agent Is Key to Buying the Home You’ve Dreamt About

Tuesday, August 10, 2021   /   by Mike Shoaff

A Real Estate Agent Is Key to Buying the Home You’ve Dreamt About

If you’re thinking about buying a house, you’re going to want to choose a top-notch real estate agent on your team. Here’s how to find that star player.You’ve decided that you’re in the perfect position in your life to finally become a homeowner and you’re ready to start searching for your dream house. This is an exciting (but stressful) time and it’s not something that you’ll want to do alone - especially if you’re a first-time buyer. 
The key to keeping your cool during your house hunting endeavor is to have a top-notch real estate agent on your team. That agent will walk you through the entire house buying experience and answer any questions you may have. 
But, how do you choose a realtor? Well, you’ve come to the right place because we have a few tips for choosing your perfect agent.

1. Know what you want in a realtor and a home

Before you begin your house search, you should take the time to think about what you’re looking for in a house and a realtor. Ask yourself these questions (these are just a few examples): Do you want an agent who specializes in selling single-family homes? 

• Do you want an agent who specializes in selling single-family homes? 
• Are you willing to sacrifice amenities if the house is in a good neighborhood? 
• Do you want an agent that has experience showing homes in the city or in rural areas?  

2. Embrace technology to aid in your search

Times have changed and instead of looking through a phone book for real estate agents, we’re using the internet - which is great! However, you don’t want to go with just the first name that pops up. Use search engines, review sites, and the like to find a few agents that you think you’d like to work with. 

3. Ask for recommendations from real-life clients

Along with your internet search, you’ll want to ask people in your real life if they have any experience with a realtor. If so, ask them about their experience, both good and bad. 

4. Interviewing agents will help you choose

By now, you should have a few realtors in mind that you’d like to contact. You’ll want to reach out to those agents asd ask for an in-person meeting (or a video chat if you prefer). If they agree, ask them about their experience, what kind of housing they deal with, if they’ve worked with clients that are similar to you (what kind of loan you have, whether you’re looking for a property to flip or an investment property, to name a few examples).

5. Don’t ignore your gut feelings

No matter the situation, we rely on our gut to tell us if something is good or if we should steer clear. When you’re looking for a realtor, you should also follow that rule of thumb. If you get the feeling that they are 100% invested in your conversation, if they give off shady vibes, or your personality just doesn’t mesh well… Don’t be afraid to thank them for their time and move on to the next agent.

6. Don’t forget to ask about their professional connections

The realtor isn’t going to be the only professional you’ll come in contact with when buying a house. This means you’ll want to ask the agent about their professional connections (home inspectors and assessors, lenders, landscapers, contractors, etc.). If the agent doesn’t have a list they can share with you, consider this a red flag. 

7. Compare your findings

You should have been taking notes when you’re interviewing agents and when you’ve completed the interview process, look over the notes. Compare the qualifications, experience, and overall feeling you got when meeting with them.  

8. Say “You’re hired!” 

Top agents share insights regarding the market indicating that it’s a booming seller’s market and it won’t let up anytime soon. That’s why you’ll want to take your time when choosing an agent! After you’ve done your research, compiled and compared your notes, you’ll get the chance to call one of the agents and say, “You’re hired!” Now, the fun (looking at houses) can really begin!

RE/MAX Hallmark Realty
Mike Shoaff
821 5th Ave South Suite 105
Naples, FL 34102

The source of this real property information is the copyrighted and proprietary database compilation of the Southwest Florida MLS organizations Copyright 2024. Southwest Florida MLS organizations. All rights reserved. The accuracy of this information is not warranted or guaranteed. This information should be independently verified if any person intends to engage in a transaction in reliance upon it. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification.
The source of this real property information is the copyrighted and proprietary database compilation of the Southwest Florida MLS organizations Copyright 2024. Southwest Florida MLS organizations. All rights reserved. The accuracy of this information is not warranted or guaranteed. This information should be independently verified if any person intends to engage in a transaction in reliance upon it. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification.
2024 Royal Palm Coast REALTOR® Association. All rights reserved. Information has not been verified, is not guaranteed, and is subject to change. The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) of the Florida Gulf Coast Multiple Listing Service, Inc. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Mike Shoaff - RE/MAX Blue Skies IDX logo and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. The information being provided is for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Last Updated: 11/11/2024 1:28 AM CST
The data relating to real estate for sale on this limited electronic display comes in part from the Southwest Florida Multiple Listing Services. Properties listed with brokerage firms other than Mike Shoaff - RE/MAX Blue Skies are marked with the BR Program Icon or the BR House Icon and detailed information about them includes the name of the Listing Brokers. The properties displayed may not be all the properties available through the BR Program. The source of this real property information is the copyrighted and proprietary database compilation of the participating Southwest Florida MLS organizations and is Copyright 2017 Southwest Florida MLS organizations. All rights reserved. The accuracy of this information is not warranted or guaranteed. This information should be independently verified if any person intends to engage in a transaction in reliance upon it. Some properties that appear for sale on this limited electronic display may no longer be available. For the most current information, contact Mike Shoaff - RE/MAX Blue Skies Data last updated 11/11/2024 1:28 AM CST.
The source of this real property information is the copyrighted and proprietary database compilation of the Southwest Florida MLS organizations Copyright 2024. Southwest Florida MLS organizations. All rights reserved. The accuracy of this information is not warranted or guaranteed. This information should be independently verified if any person intends to engage in a transaction in reliance upon it. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification.
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