How to pick the right Realtor

I remember purchasing my first condo. My wife and I used a close family friend and the transaction went well. We also sold the same condo with her and we were very happy with all of her services and the performance which at the time I took for granted. After a decade of selling homes full time I appreciate the ease with which she made the transactions appear as well as her guidance. Sometimes the best transactions are done with the assistance of our family and friends. I count among my best success as a Realtor the times I’ve represented friends, family and the referrals they’ve sent my way.

If you are one of the dozen people in Marin County who either isn’t related to a Realtor or has a friend that will recommend one this blog is for you. Sometimes buyers or sellers don’t want to use their family or friends in transactions, and I can understand the logic of not letting business potentially ruin a relationship. So if you are in the market for a Realtor this year, what should you be looking for in a Realtor?

Personally I prefer to work with Realtors who answer their phones and return messages. You’d be surprised how many don’t. I think it’s excusable if a Realtor doesn’t immediately get back to a potential client if they are out of cell range, it does happen. But if you find yourself leaving multiple messages for a Realtor without a response, I’d suggest you get the message.

Realtors are licensed to sell property in the state of California. Personally I wouldn’t try to represent a client in Los Angeles, but I’ve had a lot of success representing people throughout Marin, Sonoma and Napa Counties. If I can get there in within an hour I’ll give a potential sale everything I’ve got. So I don’t subscribe in the ultra-local philosophy that a Realtor needs to live in a particular neighborhood to sell in that neighborhood, mostly because I need to make a living. Selling where you live has its advantages, but it would be a shame if you got a recommendation for a particular Realtor or found someone really good and you didn’t consider them because they didn’t live in the town where you were selling or buying. Just because a Realtor lives where you are selling or buying that doesn’t automatically qualify them as the best choice to represent you.

Are you only available nights and weekends? Then your Realtor better be available then too. If you are a buyer and a Realtor is meeting you on nights and weekends please think twice if you want to use more than one Realtor and at least let those Realtors know that you will be working with other Realtors. Personally I’d prefer not to give up my nights and weekends to a client who will potentially work with another Realtor and it’s good to get that out up front. A little loyalty goes a long with Realtors, and it’s something we truly appreciate.

How active and experienced is your Realtor? It doesn’t hurt to find out if selling real estate is a second job for your potential Realtor, and that shouldn’t necessarily exclude them from working with you as long as you get along, they make themselves available and are able to exceed your expectations. I do suggest asking about experience. I prefer to work with Realtors who actually sell properties. Again you’d be surprised how many don’t. If they can provide you with references up front that’s all the better.

To sum it up, if you don’t know a Realtor personally or don’t have someone who is recommending one then experience, availability and accessibility are the qualities I’d suggest considering first. And once you do find a good Realtor please tell others about your experiences! Realtors love it when you spread the good word about them.