How to Chose a REALTOR

  Tony McKinney        Tricia Baschnagel         Jill Fishchetti            Zach Schabot

New Homes & Ideas spoke with four REALTORS in the Triangle area to seek advice for those looking to buy and sell their home.

When the time comes to sell or buy a house, there are many decisions to make: How much do you list your house for? What area to move to? What house floor plan will work best for my family? Before you tackle these questions, the first question should be: Who is going to help my family with my real estate needs? Smart buyers today never buy or sell a home alone. They choose a professional REALTOR®‚ to represent them.

Movin’ On

You have made your decision. It is time to move. Whether you are upgrading to a larger home due to an expanding family, or you are tired of your commute and would like to be closer to work, you want out of your existing home. With over 8,874 REALTORS®‚ registered to use the Multiple Listing System (MLS), there is a choice to make: Which REALTOR®‚ should you use to sell your house?

Finding someone that you know and trust is crucial. If you were happy with the REALTOR® who helped you buy your existing home give them a call. See if they would be interested in helping you sell your home. If you are currently not in your own house, or live in an apartment, ask friends, colleagues, or family for referrals.

“First, you have to understand that clients selling their homes are emotionally involved.” states Tony McKinney Broker/ Owner of RE/MAX Classic Realty in Clayton, NC. “Sellers are making a high stakes decision. They’re not just signing into a contract with you, but buying into a relationship with someone who is going to help them with one of the biggest undertakings of their lives. Sellers should consider someone who knows the area and works within the community of the home and is knowledgeable of the current housing market. This is where a well educated agent will know how to set the right price, market the home and prepare the sellers for the market process.”

Buying a Home Locally

So, you have sold your house or you are about to become a first-time homebuyer. Now what? You need help from a REALTOR® to get that new home you are dreaming about.

Tricia Baschnagel with ERA United Home Realty in Raleigh, NC, suggests interviewing three REALTORS®. “Ask questions about their experience, services and for letters of recommendation from past clients. Make sure their schedule will work with yours. It is important you interview potential REALTORS® to ensure they know your expectations so you will not be let down during the process.  Choose only REALTORS® that actively work in the area you are looking to purchase.  They need to know the market so you make a smart investment.”

REALTORS® not only help with finding the right home but also with other communications as well. McKinney notes that a REALTOR® can also be the best deal-maker when negotiating an offer.

Relocating from Out-Of-State

Moving to another state is stressful enough, let alone guessing which house to buy in what area. If you, or someone you know, are moving to the Triangle area, how to go about finding which REALTOR® to use will be important.

If the curiosity of the housing market in the area has got the best of you, you can start your search online. Baschnagel reports that national real estate company websites allow you to search on the MLS all around the country, even the world. Most companies have relocation departments and can set out-of-state people up with a REALTOR®.

Another tip is to plan a trip to the Triangle before you move. “Spend a couple of days visiting neighborhoods and seeing what the area is like,” says Jill Fischetti of Keller Williams Realty in Wake Forest, NC. “Visit the Chamber of Commerce. Talk to store owners, local people and see who they know or would recommend. Obviously, if they know someone who lives in the area, ask who they would recommend.”

McKinney feels strongly that the REALTOR® working with the relocation buyer should build a relationship to make the move simple and easy. “The REALTOR® works not only as an agent but as a guide to the area.”

Show Me what you Got!

When conducting business with an individual, there are certain characteristics that will stand out that will make the buyer/seller feel that they made the right decision.

Zach Schabot with RE/MAX Partners in Cary, NC explains that personality and attitude are very important. “You will spend a great deal of time with your REALTOR® and it is important to have an enjoyable experience. Ideally you would like someone who can be excited when you are excited, but levelheaded and deliberate when you are overly excited or anxious. Your agent should have chameleon-like abilities to adapt to ANY situation that arises.”

Fischetti explains that expertise of the local market is essential. “Someone who has been in the business for awhile and is a good educator to their clients to help them make good decisions is key.” Other traits that come to her mind were honesty and professionalism.
 
Information Central

You may not realize it now, but your REALTOR® is going to wear many hats. Not only is this individual going to help you buy a house, he/she will also work as information central.

Schabot explains that your REALTOR® should be like a good bartender. “Have you ever noticed how a really good bartender can talk intelligently about anything from art, to politics, to NASCAR racing, to brain surgery? Your agent should be the same way.” Schabot continues, “Helping with your financing, inspections,and decision-making should be like the bartender making a drink...it’s a basic requirement of the job. Work with someone who knows about the locations of gyms, nature trails, nightlife, hospitals, doctors, daycares, charities, and festivals in the area. Someone who is involved in the community will know about all of these things, which is important. Obviously your home has to meet your needs but you should also know you’ll enjoy living in your new neighborhood.”

REALTORS® know their specialty area and are one step ahead looking out for their clients. “REALTORS® know where schools are being built, where highways are going in and where to find answers about pretty much anything in the market place,” states Baschnagel.

When you look in the newspaper or open your mail, be on the lookout for specialty services that REALTORS® provide in your area. “Many REALTORS® offer community seminars with topics relevant to current market conditions, investment opportunities, first time home buyers, and more” informs Fischetti.

Go Ahead and Get Started

Whether you are gong to buy your very first home or are going to sell, a REALTOR® is going to have your very best interest at mind. They are very helpful at providing services, in addition to the closing of a house. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and get started setting up your REALTOR® interviews today, because NOW is a great time to buy a home!   

MICHELLE ANYSZ IS THE EDITOR FOR NEW HOMES & IDEAS MAGAZINE

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What’s the Difference?

REALTOR®‚ vs. real estate agent. What is the difference? A real estate agent is someone who is licensed by a state licensing body. A REALTOR®‚ is a real estate agent who, in addition, belongs to the National Association of REALTORS®‚ (NAR) professional trade organization.

REALTORS®‚ subscribe to professionalism and agree to abide by a strict code of ethics based on values of competency, fairness, and integrity. Among other strict standards, REALTORS®‚ can not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. REALTORS®‚ belong to the North Carolina Association of REALTORS®, (NCAR), as well as the local Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®, (RRAR) and/or Durham Association of REALTORS®.  The term “REALTOR®‚” is a trademark of NAR, reserved exclusively for use by its members.