You are looking for a home and you decided to hire a REALTORⓇ to help with your home purchase. How do you find and hire a REALTORⓇ that is best for you?
Finding the Right REALTORⓇ for You
Finding the right REALTORⓇ is often subjective. You definitely want to look for someone that has a strong sales record and has great customer service, but, most importantly, you also want someone with a personality that works well with yours. You will be spending a lot of time talking and working with your REALTORⓇ during the home buying process. You want to make sure your personalities mix well!
Start off by asking friends or family that recently purchased who they used. Chances are, if your friends and family liked their REALTORⓇ, you will too!!
Moving out of state or out of your area can present challenges since you may not know anyone where you are moving. Talk to a local REALTORⓇ that you trust in your town. They will likely have a network of real estate professionals throughout the country that they could refer you. Much of my business has come from agents that have referred their clients to me.
Take your search online. Check out your chosen agent’s website. Make sure they have a website that allows you to search for properties that are on the market. While online, you may want to look for reviews of the agent and the agent’s social media presence.
Interview REALTORSⓇ
Once you narrow down the list to 1-3 agents, ask them a few questions. I have composed a list of common questions you may want to ask your agent. While this list is not a complete list of questions to ask, it is a good place to start.
Sign Paperwork
Once you find a REALTORⓇ you like, you will need to formally hire them. In South Carolina, you formally hire your REALTORⓇ by signing the Buyer Agency Contract. You will want to formally hire an agent prior to revealing any private or confidential information.
Buying a home is likely the largest financial decision of your life. The process can be challenging and, at times, stressful. Hire a REALTORⓇ, and the right REALTORⓇ, to guide you through the inevitable bumps in the road and keep you focused on your goal…buying a home.
