Deciding on a personal realtor to help you buy or sell a house is one of the most important decisions you can make on your Fairfield County real estate journey. They will be there with you, in your corner, throughout many days, weeks, and sometimes months.
You want to pick one who’s genuinely talented and puts your needs first. But what should you look out for when searching for your real estate agent? Below we’ve outlined a few of the most critical qualities for great realtors to possess.
Well-acquainted with your local real estate market
First on our list of qualities is that they need to be local — or, if not local, well-acquainted with the neighborhood you’re focusing on. If you’re working with an agent who lacks close ties to the area, you’ll never know if you’re missing out on a hidden deal, a little-known buyer or seller, or any number of inside insights that a local professional will have in their back pocket.
A local real estate agent will also have access to a treasure trove of fellow pros in your area that they can take on board. You might need help choosing a lender, a house appraiser, or a contracting company aware of your city’s regulations and statutes. It’s hard to beat a local expert with the know-how to connect you with such resources.
Puts communication first
Next, it’s time to discuss the importance of constant communication with your real estate agent. The job that a realtor has is, first of all, to be a good communicator. An effective agent will put you at the forefront of their mind. They are willing to pick up the phone and talk whenever you need advice or a last-minute pick-me-up.
Regular communication is also the best way to stay on top of sudden changes in the Fairfield County housing market. In many corners of this country, buyers and sellers can move fast or change their minds when a new deal or property pops up. You need an agent who’s quick on the draw in those situations. Someone who will never shy away from talking with you when you’re questioning the next plan of action.
Values transparency and being honest with you
Being transparent and honest is a quality that goes hand in hand with good communication. The last thing you want is a real estate agent who hides information from you, whether for their own benefit or simply because they don’t want to explain some difficulty in the buying and selling process.
Nearly 90% of people selling a home in 2023 said that honesty is the first quality they seek in a realtor. Trust is integral if you want to build a professional relationship. That’s why your agent should be upfront about how they do business, preferably as soon as possible.
An impressive negotiator
Now that we’ve discussed the top qualities that all great realtors should have, let’s get into the business side of their duties. In a real estate climate where houses close at record speeds, your agent should be an expert negotiator.
When push comes to shove, you want your realtor to express your desires effectively and urgently when they come to the table to buy or sell. Look up your potential agents' list-to-sell ratios to learn how efficiently they negotiate.
Expert problem solver
Along with negotiation skills, your real estate agent also needs to be able to think quickly on their feet and solve problems fast. Say you plan to list your home at the end of the week, but your appraisal comes back with the news that you need a few vital repairs. Your agent needs to stand up for you and reach out to their network of professionals to clear up that problem.
Understands how to market your home
Solving problems and negotiating for the best price is essential when you’re close to making a deal. But before that final stage, your agent must be present to market your property. Not every agent is an expert at both of those skill sets. Your agent should be upfront right away that they specialize in marketing. It’s that important.
A professional marketer needs to be up to date with modern technology. As recently as 2018, national surveys have shown that as many as 93% of all home searches started online. Your agent needs to be flexible and not stuck in old-fashioned methods of spreading the word about your home. A great realtor will already have a robust network of fellow marketers before you first meet them, ensuring that the marketing process goes uninterrupted when it’s finally time to publicize your listing.
A helper on your side
Finally, we turn to the most critical quality that a great agent should have: they should be empathetic through and through. Selling or buying a home can be a complex, hair-raising process for anyone, and sometimes you may feel vulnerable when offers, details, and negotiations are flying at you from all sides.
That’s when you want a realtor who will feel for you and defend you eagerly whenever you need help. They should be willing to turn an ear to you in times of need or confusion. Above all, they (and their expertise) should put you at ease.
Reach out to a local real estate agent today
There you have it: our insider’s guide to the qualities that all great real estate agents should have. If you have any questions or comments about Fairfield Country real estate, contact the Matt Rose Realty Group for more information. We can connect you with a Fairfield County realtor today!
Recommended reading: Buying and Selling Your Home with Less Stress
*Header Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
