Is Your Realtor the Cream of the Crop or Just Small Potatoes? Here’s How to Tell

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There’s no doubt that there are LOTS of Realtors out there – but how can you tell which ones are the better ones?  With some industry insider information you can definitely have the edge in knowing which one to hire for your needs.  It goes without saying that a better Realtor translates to better results for you, whether buying, selling or even just hanging out in limbo in between.

What Do Top Realtors Do Differently?

In almost every market, the story is the same.  A very small percentage of agents manage a very significant percentage of transactions.  So that means that there are a choice few that end up driving most of the real estate market in the industry.  To distinguish the high performers from the low achievers, there are some key things to look for.

Knowledge and Expertise

Comprehensive knowledge of what’s going on in the industry as a whole as well as in the specific market area where the agent is located is essential.  This is accomplished with a series of analytical tools performed by the agent and their staff.  Some agents engage in online marketing tools designed to study the progress of their area.  Other agents assemble detailed reports that analyze statistics and help determine and predict foreseeable trends.  Another practice of successful Realtors is keeping tabs on active and pending sales, the number of units sold month to month and also year to year, prices, valuations, Days On Market stats and more.

Proactive Approach

Sitting ducks never do as well as the agents that go out and actively grab the business that awaits them.  For sellers, hiring an agent who takes a proactive stance is especially beneficial because these are the agents that go out and grab people’s interest and actively share your listing.  Aggressively seeking a match for their client’s property results in more efficient transactions and obviously far more success.  Buyers also experience major benefits from having a proactive agent.  Constant, regular communication and an understanding of what their clients desire are aspects of a great Realtor and client relationship that result in success on all sides.

Innovation and Adaptability

With the advent of technology, agents that use new tools and techniques end up providing their clients with far better results than those who tend to stick with traditional methods.  Utilizing online technology to the fullest, embedding videos of the home or property, incorporating real-time statistics of the area and more.  Providing insight into key factors that may persuade a potential buyer to move to an area (such as crime rate information or details about area schools, dining and shopping) is also a useful strategy.

Involved and Responsive 

There is a paramount difference between an agent who does not respond to his or her clients’ calls versus one who is ready and available.  With the market as challenging as it is these days, often potential home buyers want to act fast and of course sellers want to capitalize on any offers that may have come in.  Not having a responsive agent can cost a potential seller a good offer or a potential buyer the home of their dreams.  Whether through email, telephone or availability for meetings – it is essential that the Realtor and client relationship be an open and involved one.
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The qualities of a good real estate agent are what can easily make or break a transaction for many homeowners and potential buyers.  With just a little research, asking around and checking references – you can learn of your agent’s track record.  A little work now can mean a huge difference later.