{"id":4999,"date":"2021-02-26T23:20:07","date_gmt":"2021-02-27T05:20:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theralphieandryanshow.com\/?p=4999"},"modified":"2022-01-16T15:43:29","modified_gmt":"2022-01-16T21:43:29","slug":"how-to-choose-a-realtor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose A Realtor"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-sharing gb-block-sharing gb-share-icon-only gb-share-shape-circular gb-share-size-medium gb-share-color-social gb-align-right\">\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"gb-share-list\"><li>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\thref=\"javascript:void(0)\" onClick=\"javascript:genesisBlocksShare('http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=How%20to%20Choose%20A%20Realtor&#038;url=https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/', 'Share on Twitter', '600', '600')\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"gb-share-twitter\"\n\t\t\t\ttitle=\"Share on Twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"svg-icon\" role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"gb-link-twitter-8ac1e36a-1d0c-47f2-89bf-a1b1c1275c19\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><title id=\"gb-link-twitter-8ac1e36a-1d0c-47f2-89bf-a1b1c1275c19\">Share on Twitter<\/title><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M23.953 4.57a10 10 0 01-2.825.775 4.958 4.958 0 002.163-2.723c-.951.555-2.005.959-3.127 1.184a4.92 4.92 0 00-8.384 4.482C7.69 8.095 4.067 6.13 1.64 3.162a4.822 4.822 0 00-.666 2.475c0 1.71.87 3.213 2.188 4.096a4.904 4.904 0 01-2.228-.616v.06a4.923 4.923 0 003.946 4.827 4.996 4.996 0 01-2.212.085 4.936 4.936 0 004.604 3.417 9.867 9.867 0 01-6.102 2.105c-.39 0-.779-.023-1.17-.067a13.995 13.995 0 007.557 2.209c9.053 0 13.998-7.496 13.998-13.985 0-.21 0-.42-.015-.63A9.935 9.935 0 0024 4.59z\"><\/path><\/svg> <span class=\"gb-social-text\">Share on Twitter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/li><li>\n\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"javascript:void(0)\" onClick=\"javascript:genesisBlocksShare('https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/&#038;title=How%20to%20Choose%20A%20Realtor', 'Share on Facebook', '600', '600')\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"gb-share-facebook\"\n\t\t\t\t\ttitle=\"Share on Facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"svg-icon\" role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"gb-link-facebook-8ac1e36a-1d0c-47f2-89bf-a1b1c1275c19\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><title id=\"gb-link-facebook-8ac1e36a-1d0c-47f2-89bf-a1b1c1275c19\">Share on Facebook<\/title><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M24 12.073c0-6.627-5.373-12-12-12s-12 5.373-12 12c0 5.99 4.388 10.954 10.125 11.854v-8.385H7.078v-3.47h3.047V9.43c0-3.007 1.792-4.669 4.533-4.669 1.312 0 2.686.235 2.686.235v2.953H15.83c-1.491 0-1.956.925-1.956 1.874v2.25h3.328l-.532 3.47h-2.796v8.385C19.612 23.027 24 18.062 24 12.073z\"><\/path><\/svg> <span class=\"gb-social-text\">Share on Facebook<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li>\n\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"javascript:void(0)\" onClick=\"javascript:genesisBlocksShare('https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?&#038;url=https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/&#038;description=How%20to%20Choose%20A%20Realtor&#038;media=https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/122833975-huge-1-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1', 'Share on Pinterest', '600', '600')\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"gb-share-pinterest\"\n\t\t\t\t\ttitle=\"Share on Pinterest\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"svg-icon\" role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"gb-link-pinterest-8ac1e36a-1d0c-47f2-89bf-a1b1c1275c19\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><title id=\"gb-link-pinterest-8ac1e36a-1d0c-47f2-89bf-a1b1c1275c19\">Share on Pinterest<\/title><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M12.017 0C5.396 0 .029 5.367.029 11.987c0 5.079 3.158 9.417 7.618 11.162-.105-.949-.199-2.403.041-3.439.219-.937 1.406-5.957 1.406-5.957s-.359-.72-.359-1.781c0-1.663.967-2.911 2.168-2.911 1.024 0 1.518.769 1.518 1.688 0 1.029-.653 2.567-.992 3.992-.285 1.193.6 2.165 1.775 2.165 2.128 0 3.768-2.245 3.768-5.487 0-2.861-2.063-4.869-5.008-4.869-3.41 0-5.409 2.562-5.409 5.199 0 1.033.394 2.143.889 2.741.099.12.112.225.085.345-.09.375-.293 1.199-.334 1.363-.053.225-.172.271-.401.165-1.495-.69-2.433-2.878-2.433-4.646 0-3.776 2.748-7.252 7.92-7.252 4.158 0 7.392 2.967 7.392 6.923 0 4.135-2.607 7.462-6.233 7.462-1.214 0-2.354-.629-2.758-1.379l-.749 2.848c-.269 1.045-1.004 2.352-1.498 3.146 1.123.345 2.306.535 3.55.535 6.607 0 11.985-5.365 11.985-11.987C23.97 5.39 18.592.026 11.985.026L12.017 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> <span class=\"gb-social-text\">Share on Pinterest<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Are you thinking of buying or selling a home?<strong> Finding the right real estate agent can make all the difference in your transaction, ensuring that you get the best deal that you can.<\/strong> But with over 2 million real estate agents in the United States, choosing a realtor can feel like picking a needle from a haystack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look, many people make the mistake of hiring the first real estate agent that they get. But truth is, it\u2019s not just enough to hire a realtor, you must find a good real estate agent that is worth their weight in gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to get the right realtor is by asking for referrals from friends, family, colleagues, and local brokerage. <strong>The goal is to find someone who shares your vision, is honest about the risks involved, and someone with whom you can communicate and connect naturally. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Narrowing your search involves asking pertinent questions about their experience with the local market and their connections with other real estate professionals. This way, you can get someone who prioritizes your needs so you can get the best price possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this definitive guide, we will be going over steps on how to choose the right realtor for you. In the end, you will know the basic process, important characteristics to look for, and where to find the right realtor for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script charset=\"UTF-8\" type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"idxwidgetsrc-43382\" src=\"\/\/for-sale.theralphieandryanshow.com\/idx\/carousel.php?widgetid=43382\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-672a0167e6cd5\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-672a0167e6cd5\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/#Step_1_Get_Referrals_from_Friends_and_Family\" title=\"Step 1: Get Referrals from Friends and Family\">Step 1: Get Referrals from Friends and Family<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/#Step_2_Know_What_You_Are_Looking_For\" title=\"Step 2: Know What You Are Looking For\">Step 2: Know What You Are Looking For<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/#Step_3_Search_for_An_Area_expert\" title=\"Step 3: Search for An Area expert\">Step 3: Search for An Area expert<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/#Step_4_Review_Credentials\" title=\"Step 4: Review Credentials\">Step 4: Review Credentials<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/#Step_5_Meet_With_At_Least_Three_Agents\" title=\"Step 5: Meet With At Least Three Agents\">Step 5: Meet With At Least Three Agents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/#Step_6_Ask_the_right_questions\" title=\"Step 6: Ask the right questions\">Step 6: Ask the right questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/#Step_7_Choose_a_teacher_and_not_a_salesman\" title=\"Step 7: Choose a teacher and not a salesman\">Step 7: Choose a teacher and not a salesman<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/#Step_8_Explain_your_communication_Preferences\" title=\"Step 8: Explain your communication Preferences\">Step 8: Explain your communication Preferences<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/#Step_9_Review_Their_Contract_and_Marketing_Materials\" title=\"Step 9: Review Their Contract and Marketing Materials\">Step 9: Review Their Contract and Marketing Materials<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/#Important_Characteristics_To_Look_For_The_Realtor_Hiring_Checklist\" title=\"Important Characteristics To Look For: The Realtor Hiring Checklist\">Important Characteristics To Look For: The Realtor Hiring Checklist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/#Have_Questions_Ask_The_Velasco_Reynolds_Team\" title=\"Have Questions? Ask The Velasco Reynolds Team!\">Have Questions? Ask The Velasco Reynolds Team!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Get_Referrals_from_Friends_and_Family\"><\/span>Step 1: Get Referrals from Friends and Family<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In a world that is constantly dominated by advertising, slogans, and brands, getting the best fit realtor can be a daunting task. <strong>If you just choose blindly, you can easily fall into a pitfall that can cost you time, money, and resources. <\/strong>Getting referrals from your friends and family is a surefire way to get the right real estate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask your circle of connections if they have a trusted realtor with who they have worked before. In so doing, you can get a scoop of potential realtors who have helped a friend, family or coworker close a deal successfully. Tech-savvy <a href=\"https:\/\/theralphieandryanshow.com\/how-to-navigate-multiple-offers-as-a-chicago-buyer-seller\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">buyers and sellers<\/a> can also look for referrals from your social media connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Know_What_You_Are_Looking_For\"><\/span>Step 2: Know What You Are Looking For<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Without a clear understanding of your specific needs, you can easily fall for anybody who passes as a realtor. Identify some of the key characteristics you\u2019d like in a realtor. <strong>You could be looking for someone excellent in communication, a local realtor who is easily available, or an aggressive shark with experience in certain real estate markets.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to understand that the needs of a first-time buyer are unique from those of a repeat homeowner looking for newer prospects. Whatever need is top of your list, you must choose a realtor whose philosophy and goals are similar to yours for a successful relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Search_for_An_Area_expert\"><\/span>Step 3: Search for An Area expert<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Look for an agent who has sufficient <a href=\"https:\/\/theralphieandryanshow.com\/the-1-rule-in-real-estate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">knowledge about your neighborhood<\/a>, and one who is aware of the typical local offering and selling prices. <strong>The best way to find local realtors is to ask for recommendations<\/strong> from a local brokerage or look up agents with the most listings in local real estate publications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Review_Credentials\"><\/span>Step 4: Review Credentials<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Real estate is a massive industry and different local, state or national markets have their unique development and housing needs and trends. When looking for a realtor, you want one who has the requisite qualifications and experience with the ever-changing market. Their experience and expertise will give you an edge when buying or selling your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your preferred real estate agent should be licensed to practice within the state where your property is located. Some realtors also have a Realtor designation (with capital R), meaning that they are members of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nar.realtor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Association of Realtors<\/a>. Registered Realtors abide by a strict code of ethics that ensures that are designed to protect your interests throughout the transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Depending on your needs, it\u2019s advisable to go for a realtor with any of the following credentials:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Realtor: The real estate agent is a member of the National Association of Realtors<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR): These are real estate agents with special training in buyer representation in real estate transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Accredited Seller Representative (ASR): These are realtors with specific training in seller representation in real estate transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Certified Residential Specialist (CRS): These are top-of-the-line real estate sharks that have a record and history for top performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES): These are specialized agents who\u2019ve completed training in helping buyers and sellers over the age of 50 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theralphieandryanshow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/real-estate-agent-1.jpg?resize=434%2C289&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4393 lazyload\" width=\"434\" height=\"289\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/real-estate-agent-1.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/real-estate-agent-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/real-estate-agent-1.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 434px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 434\/289;\" \/><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theralphieandryanshow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/real-estate-agent-1.jpg?resize=434%2C289&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4393\" width=\"434\" height=\"289\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/real-estate-agent-1.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/real-estate-agent-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/real-estate-agent-1.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Meet_With_At_Least_Three_Agents\"><\/span>Step 5: Meet With At Least Three Agents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have narrowed your search, it is important to have a face-to-face meeting with your preferred candidates. <strong>These in-person meetings help you assess the realtor\u2019s personality, punctuality, and communication skills.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These meetings also give you the chance to compare and contrast the different real estate agents, allowing you to find someone who is a good fit for you. In most cases, many buyers and sellers realize that their front-runner agents are not well-positioned for their specific deals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_6_Ask_the_right_questions\"><\/span>Step 6: Ask the right questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to buy or sell a home, there\u2019s no shortage of representation. For first-time buyers and sellers, the relationship with your real estate agent can lead to a smooth and seamless experience or turn into a complete nightmare. It is therefore important to do all due diligence before settling with one. <strong>Asking the right questions is perhaps the best way for you to vet a realtor before you hire them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the most important questions that can help you identify any red flags early on include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 How long have you been an agent?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Can I see your real estate license?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 How many clients are you working with currently?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 How will you communicate with me?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Can I review documents ahead of time?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Would you be willing to pass along a list of referrals?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Do you have a team or are do you work independently?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 What&#8217;s Your Average List-Price-To-Sales-Price Ratio?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 What is the market like in this neighborhood?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 What\u2019s your commission fee?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 How will you market my home?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 What\u2019s your specialty?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons aligncenter is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--fdb93f90d9e82a7e33baf471f2162417\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/theralphieandryanshow.com\/staging-your-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tips for Staging your home<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_7_Choose_a_teacher_and_not_a_salesman\"><\/span>Step 7: Choose a teacher and not a salesman<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a fine line between advising and being salesy. <strong>You want to go for a teaching-oriented realtor who is interested in educating you instead of a salesman who is hell-bent to push a deal.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why? Because a realtor who offers advice and education is only interested in seeing you get the best deal and have your best interests at heart. On the other hand, a salesman is more self-centered and is only interested in seeing through a deal that is most favorable to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_8_Explain_your_communication_Preferences\"><\/span>Step 8: Explain your communication Preferences<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before signing up a realtor, it is important to be upfront about your preferred mode of communication that is ideal for your specific situation. <strong>Tell the broker if you\u2019d like your communications done through emails, texts, or phone calls.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whatever your needs, ensure that your preferred agent is comfortable with your mode of communication and that they can provide a status report whenever needed. This way, you can both gel seamlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_9_Review_Their_Contract_and_Marketing_Materials\"><\/span>Step 9: Review Their Contract and Marketing Materials<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is perhaps the most important step when hiring a real estate agent. Unfortunately, many home buyers and sellers tend to not take enough time after interviewing their prospective agents. <strong>Yet, the contract and the marketing materials contain all the nuances and fine details of how the real estate agent is going to run your transaction.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should therefore take time to review all documents carefully before deciding on who to choose. The idea is to ensure that your interests are safeguarded, ensuring that there are no clauses that would tie you up in case of fallout later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_Characteristics_To_Look_For_The_Realtor_Hiring_Checklist\"><\/span>Important Characteristics To Look For: The Realtor Hiring Checklist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/theralphieandryanshow.com\/how-to-sell-and-buy-a-house-at-the-same-time-in-chicago-illinois\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Buying or selling a house<\/a> can be a long, grueling process. It is therefore important to have a reliable real estate agent by your side to guide you through the sometimes overwhelming, but exciting, process. Here are some traits to look for in a good real estate agent for a truly seamless experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Honesty and integrity<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Proactive<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Problem solver mindset<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Self-motivated<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Knowledge of purchase process<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Understanding of the local housing market<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Responsiveness<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Good communication skills<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Stellar negotiation skills<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Engaging personality<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The process of finding the right real estate agent for you can be overwhelming. However, if you do your homework carefully, you can avoid a lot of stress and hassles down the line. <strong>Remember: even if the real estate agent is touted as the best in your neighborhood, that really doesn\u2019t count if you do not connect with them at a personal level.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides choosing a knowledgeable and experienced professional who can represent your interest and negotiate on your behalf, be sure to go for an agent with who you can communicate effortlessly and whose chemistry and goals gel with yours. Ask the right probing questions and assess whether the agent has well throughout answers. That way, you can have the best realtor in your corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"text-align:center\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-cta gb-block-cta\"><div class=\"gb-cta-content\"><h2 class=\"gb-cta-title gb-font-size-32\" style=\"color:#32373c\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Have_Questions_Ask_The_Velasco_Reynolds_Team\"><\/span>Have Questions? Ask The Velasco Reynolds Team! <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div class=\"gb-cta-text gb-font-size-32\" style=\"color:#32373c\"><p>Give us a call to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"gb-cta-button\"><a href=\"tel:+ 16305349357\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"gb-button gb-button-shape-rounded gb-button-size-medium\" style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color:#3373dc\">1-630-534-9357<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you thinking of buying or selling a home? Finding the right real estate agent can make all the difference in your transaction, ensuring that you get the best deal that you can. But with over 2 million real estate agents in the United States, choosing a realtor can feel like picking a needle from [&hellip;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/how-to-choose-a-realtor\/\" class=\"more-link\" title=\"Read More\">Read More<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_glsr_average":0,"_glsr_ranking":0,"_glsr_reviews":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[36,137],"tags":[85,83,80,81],"class_list":{"0":"post-4999","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-buying-a-home","8":"category-home-buyer-guides","9":"tag-buying-a-home-for-the-first-time","10":"tag-first-home-buyer-tips","11":"tag-first-time-home-buyer","12":"tag-how-to-buy-a-home","13":"entry"},"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/122833975-huge-1-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/122833975-huge-1-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1","author_info":{"display_name":"Rafael Velasco","author_link":"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/author\/rafael-velasco\/"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/122833975-huge-1-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4999"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4999"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4999\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8003,"href":"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4999\/revisions\/8003"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4999"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4999"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/box5915.temp.domains\/~theralph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4999"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}