Thursday, July 16, 2015

When to Call a Realtor?

Sounds like a crazy question - right?  

The right answer is "When I want to buy or sell a house", isn't it?

In most cases that's what people do.  They make up their minds that they're ready to move and then they start shopping for a Realtor.  

However, there's so much more that a professional Real Estate Agent can do for you if you involve them well in advance of a move.  

I sometimes work with clients for months or even years before they decide it's time to actually list their house or make a purchase.  I believe that these clients are able to gain incredible value from the information and expertise which I can share with them during that period.  The fact that they are well educated about the real estate market and the various options they have means that they can be "savvy shoppers" when the time to move comes and that can save a lot of stress and potentially a few dollars too!

Finding the right Realtor can take a back seat when you're already caught up in the decision that it's time to move. Studies show that the vast majority of people hire the first Agent they talk to and never take the time to interview a second or third.  It's much less stressful to interview Real Estate Agents when you have the time to focus on the value which they can add to your transaction rather than on the transaction itself.  If you find a Realtor who isn't interested in working with you well in advance of your being ready to move - they're probably not going to offer the kind of high value service & build the kind of ongoing relationship which you deserve.

Here's some of the ways in which a Realtor can help:

  • Provide referrals to reliable vendors - plumbers, handymen etc..
  • Keep you up to date on Real Estate news as it affects your taxes or mortgage products.
  • Access statistics and broad market information.
  • Introduce you to new areas of the city and new construction which you may not have considered.
  • Provide referrals to reliable lenders who can advise on mortgage products.
  • Provide detailed local market information targeted to your neighborhood or your zipcode - or both!
  • Make suggestions on home improvements that provide the best value and return on investment.
  • Provide referrals to out of state Realtors for relocation or second home purchases.
  • Advise on rental properties - whether you want to lease or you want to consider investing.
It's essential to have a Realtor on your team when the time comes to buy or sell but really having a Realtor on your team is important at any time!