I shouldn't even joke about that because finding the right realtor is important for so many reasons. I bring this up because I mentioned in yesterday's post that we bought a completely different home than what we had lined out for our realtor. And over dinner last night our neighbors shared with us some of what they love about their realtor...she returned all calls, she advocated for them even when they were looking at rentals, she treated them respectfully even though they were young, she explained the realtor/client relationship thoroughly. (I'm not even a little surprised to learn that she is a Keller Williams agent!)
Your home is likely the single largest purchase you will ever make. It is also one of the most emotional and is a decision you literally have to live with for many years. Finding the right home can be frustrating with the wrong realtor when it should, in fact, be a fun adventure. Selling your home is a large financial and emotional undertaking as well. Even if you want to move it is a mixed bag of anxiety and excitement. If you don't want to move and you have to because of a short sale, foreclosure or business relocation it can be downright painful.
When you're shopping for a realtor some things are fairly obvious. You want to choose someone you can communicate with. Someone you enjoy spending time with. Your realtor doesn't have to be your best friend...though that may come to pass...but it has to be someone you feel comfortable discussing your wants and needs with, your finances, your work and family situations, etc. You need to trust them with all this personal information. Even if you have all of these pieces in place there is one thing people often overlook: You can CHOOSE your realtor.
Many of my clients became my clients by randomly calling the number on a Keller Williams sign. I'm grateful for this opportunity and do everything I can to help them meet their real estate needs. But you really have more options than that when looking for someone to assist you with one of life's great decisions. Ask your friends and family. Ask local business people that you trust who they trust. Do a computer search for local real estate offices, go to their web sites and read the staff biographies, learn about customer satisfaction. And when you have found a few agents that you think you'd be interested in working with call them. You'll learn from the phone call if you have a personality fit. Interview your top picks. Make them earn your business.
And after you have selected someone to represent you hold up your end of the deal. Be a good client. Answer questions honestly. Provide documentation by the deadlines you're given. Understand that your agent will accommodate your schedule as much as possible, but avoid calling them at 10 pm or on a Sunday morning. The relationship, like any, requires a give and take to be successful.
Finally, don't assume that you're stuck in a relationship for eternity. If, after a period of time, your agent doesn't seem to be representing you in a manner you're comfortable with...cut your losses and find another agent. Tell your current agent why you're doing this and move on. It isn't fair to you or your agent to continue if you're not able to see eye to eye. Don't stress about this...there really is someone for everyone.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to give me a call.
Jerianne Whitacre
Keller Williams Group One Sparks
541-975-4226
Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated.
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