Top 8 Tips for Finding the Right Raleigh Realtor

When it comes to buying a home, most likely it will be the biggest purchase in your life – making it safe to say, it’s a pretty important decision and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. That’s why it’s very important to have a realtor that you trust and who will have your best interest in mind. [psst … over here!]

There are thousands of realtors in the Raleigh and Wake Forest area who are hoping to help you buy or sell a home. Finding the right one can be a challenge. There are some very interesting ones out there. But when you know what to look for, and you do your due diligence, you’ll know right away that you have found a great realtor partner. [psst … still us]

Still not quite sure where to begin? No worries. Our team of Raleigh real estate professionals put together our top tips to make it easier, so you can focus on your next steps in the home buying or selling process.

1. Ask Around

If you know someone, perhaps a friend, family member or colleague, who has bought or sold a house recently, you might ask them who their realtor was and whether they had a good experience with the transaction. First hand information is always a great start. Check out our testimonials to see what our past clients are saying about working with us! Hint: they are really good. 

2. Conduct Independent Research

Do research on your own to find out if you like what an agent has to say. Find them on social media and search for their professional website to become more familiar with their real estate experience, personality, and business style. Conduct research into their online presence, reviews, and testimonials. These are great ways to get a feel for who the real estate agent is, and if they will be a good partner.  

3. Ask About Experience Level

Realtors should describe their years of experience, in addition to their personal background, as part of their biographical information on the firm’s website. Remember, more experience does not automatically equal a better experience. Real estate changes very quickly, so having an agent who can adapt to current technology and social marketing is very important. [yoohoo!]

4. Test Local Market Knowledge

The local real estate market fluctuates all the time. One season it may favor sellers and the next season might be better for buyers. The strategy a realtor uses to help you buy or sell a home also changes based on the pace of the market, so your agent should be able to give you fast and accurate information to make great decisions.

5. Find Someone Accessible

Your realtor should be easy to get in touch with, so be sure to set those expectations early on. You want your agent to be available to answer questions quickly, and help you make an offer when you are ready. Any delay could mean losing out on the property – the world of real estate can move very quickly. A true partnership is achieved by keeping communication open and swift. 

6. Check Licensing and Certifications

The law requires that real estate agents be licensed with the state, so this is the first thing to check. You’ll likely want to choose an agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors and bound by its ethical code. Other certifications may be available, but these are the most important. 

7. Gauge the Level of Personal Attention

Some buyers and sellers want play by play updates with every small piece of information, while others may only want alerts for important activities. Be sure you communicate how you want to be updated so that your agent is aware of your expectations for communication. Your realtor should give you the feeling that they will do everything they can to meet and exceed your expectations.

8. Ask Questions

You may want to interview realtors before deciding to hire a firm. Come prepared with a list of questions to ask. If you are unsatisfied with the answers, or get the feeling like you are just another transaction to them, keep looking. This decision should be based on your comfort level with an agent, in addition to their capabilities. Then trust your instincts – you will make the right decision. 

Get To Know Us

Choosing a real estate agent may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Get to know the team at Five Over Four Realty. You will quickly see that we have a dynamic group of Raleigh area real estate agents who absolutely love what they do. And we’re not weird … and that is half the battle. It really is.

As a locally owned and operated firm, we pride ourselves on being able to exceed our client’s expectations, over and over again. We would be delighted to help you sell your current home or purchase a new one. Contact our team online, or call us directly at (919) 208-4719 today! And psst … you may have just found a perfect fit with the team at Five Over Four Realty!