How to tell if someone is a good realtor?
Finding a good realtor is crucial whether you’re buying or selling a home. Here are key signs that indicate you’re working with a great real estate agent:
1. Strong Communication Skills
✅ Responsive & Available: Answers calls, texts, and emails promptly.
✅ Clear & Honest: Explains complex terms in simple language and is transparent about the process.
2. Deep Market Knowledge
✅ Understands the Local Market: Knows pricing trends, neighborhoods, and market conditions.
✅ Provides Accurate Pricing: Can give realistic expectations on home value, not just what you want to hear.
3. Proven Track Record & Experience
✅ Has Successful Sales History: Check online reviews and past sales.
✅ Knows How to Negotiate: Can secure the best deals and handle tough negotiations.
4. Strong Network & Resources
✅ Has a Solid Network: Knows reputable lenders, inspectors, contractors, and attorneys.
✅ Marketing Savvy: Uses professional photography, social media, and online listings effectively.
5. Puts Your Interests First
✅ Not Pushy: Listens to your needs instead of rushing you into decisions.
✅ Honest & Ethical: Discloses all information, including potential downsides of a deal.
6. Well-Organized & Detail-Oriented
✅ Handles Paperwork Efficiently: Ensures contracts and documents are error-free.
✅ Manages Deadlines Well: Keeps track of key dates and ensures a smooth transaction.
7. Positive Client Reviews & Referrals
✅ Check Online Reviews: Look at Zillow, Realtor.com, Google, and social media.
✅ Word-of-Mouth Recommendations: A good realtor often comes highly recommended by past clients.
Would you like help finding a good realtor in your area? CALL ME NOW!
How to spot a bad real estate agent?
A bad real estate agent can cost you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Here are key warning signs to watch out for:
1. Poor Communication
🚩 Slow to Respond: Takes too long to return calls, texts, or emails.
🚩 Unclear or Vague: Avoids answering questions directly or gives inconsistent information.
🚩 Lack of Transparency: Doesn’t keep you informed about offers, market conditions, or next steps.
2. Limited Market Knowledge
🚩 Doesn’t Know the Area Well: Can’t provide insights on neighborhood trends, schools, or pricing.
🚩 Misjudges Home Values: Consistently overprices or underprices homes.
🚩 Can’t Answer Basic Questions: Struggles with contract details, mortgage options, or the buying/selling process.
3. Lack of Professionalism
🚩 Unprepared for Showings/Appointments: Shows up late, forgets details, or appears disorganized.
🚩 Poor Negotiation Skills: Easily caves under pressure or doesn’t advocate for your best interests.
🚩 Sloppy with Paperwork: Makes frequent mistakes, misses deadlines, or overlooks critical details.
4. Pushy or Self-Interested
🚩 Pressures You to Decide Quickly: More focused on closing the deal than your needs.
🚩 Prioritizes Their Commission: Suggests deals that benefit them more than you.
🚩 Ignores Your Preferences: Shows homes outside your budget or criteria.
5. Weak Marketing & Networking Skills (For Sellers)
🚩 Poor Listing Photos & Descriptions: Uses low-quality photos or generic descriptions.
🚩 Limited Online Presence: Doesn’t leverage social media, real estate platforms, or email marketing.
🚩 Few or No Connections: Doesn’t have reliable lenders, inspectors, or contractors to recommend.
6. Bad Reviews or Reputation
🚩 Negative Online Reviews: Consistent complaints about lack of communication, dishonesty, or poor performance.
🚩 No References Available: Hesitates or refuses to provide past client references.
If you notice multiple red flags, it may be best to find a different agent who is experienced, reliable, and truly invested in your success.