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Do you need a Realtor?

When searching for a Realtor to help you sell or buy your next home, here are a few questions you should ask when interviewing. Are you full time?

The fact is there are many Realtors that are not dedicated full time professionals. The problem with this is that those same part timers often do not have the time or take the time to keep themselves educated about their business. The laws governing real estate sales are complex, numerous and ever changing. Understanding the legal documents, title work, different financing options and related issues require an ongoing education that a full time Realtor will eagerly seek. Hiring a well trained, educated full time Realtor is a good step to insure your real estate transaction is smooth and stress free.

Do you have a visible web site?

Let’s face the facts, in most any geographical area, all real estate companies will advertise your home in the same local newspapers, journals and related publications. A good Realtor will hold an open house, send out just listed cards, make nice looking information flyers and put your home in the local multiple listing service. These services and more are offered by any number of brokers and associates regardless of the name of the company.

However, the world is changing.

The way people find information is changing. You understand this because you are reading this article. Most every Realtor and real estate company have a web site. We know that having a pretty site with dancing gifs or similar bells and whistles means little to your goal of selling your home if the site is not being seen by those searching online. If you go to a search engine of your choice and type in a simple search phrase or word such as “(your location) homes” or “(your city) real estate” and do not see the company or Realtor you are interviewing, then you can be assured the world is not going to be seeing your home. Ask the Realtor to provide you with a list of key search terms that will result in their site showing on the first few pages of any popular search engine. You want the maximum exposure for your property, the type of exposure only the internet can provide.

Do they have a strong company backing?

There are definite advantages to choosing a Realtor whose company has the strength of numbers, good reputation, a relocation department, an ability to offer mortgages or home loans, a time tested and proven track record of success. Is the company open on weekends? If you have a concern, is the manager of this company accessible to you, the regional manager or the owner of the company? Does the company provide its associates with marketing materials they can use to assist in the selling of your home?

Include these questions the next time you are selecting a Realtor to assist you with your real estate needs and you should be able to choose a professional that is capable of providing you with the service that you expect and deserve.