When you're looking to hire a Realtor in Waltham Massachusetts, sometimes it's hard to know where to even begin. Buying or selling a home is not something to be done lightly, and having the right professional in your corner will make all the difference when it comes to giving you options you didn't even know you were missing. Of course, you want a Realtor with experience and expertise, but we'd like to tell you a few more things to consider before settling on your real estate representative.
The first thing to consider is whether you are hiring a real estate agent or a registered Realtor. Believe it or not, there is a difference. A real estate agent is anyone who earns a real estate license by taking a certain number of classes required by their state. A Realtor however, is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, which means that he or she must uphold the standards of the association and its code of ethics.
Another aspect to consider is whether they work full time or only part time. Jumping on the perfect deal usually requires a constant eye on the market. If your Realtor has another job, or is only active on the weekends, for example, chances are they you'd be missing prime opportunities in their off time. As a client, feel free to look as far ahead as you can and even ask them to lay out exactly what their marketing plan is. The dedicated Realtors are the ones that are going to be constantly putting themselves out there for you and your family's needs.
One of the other important factors is how familiar the Realtor is with your area. Make sure they understand the local market, and feel free to verify that they know what they are talking about by asking plenty of questions. You want a Realtor that knows the area they work in, or lives in the town they serve. You need an agent that knows their area inside and out and can answer your questions about school, local restaurants or who can provide local services. It's also always a good idea to search for references, and see what others say about the agent in question.
Try to find out their listing to sold ratio. Especially these days, it is easy to find reviews and information on a Realtor. Which brings us to the next thing to make sure your Realtor has; a strong web presence and use of today's modern tools. Ask about what networks your potential Realtor has access to, in order to ensure that your home is actually being seen, and that you see absolutely everything available in the area you are looking for.
Finally, the most important thing is to find a Realtor that you trust. It's tempting to go with someone you know or are related to and sometimes that works out just fine, but your priority should first be to find the right person to get you the most that you can. And when you find the right person for the job, you'll know because you'll feel relaxed knowing that your future is secure.