Working with an experienced realtor is the best approach to buying or selling a property. A skilled realtor offers a high level of expertise to guide you through your real estate transaction so you can find the home you’re looking for or earn a high return on selling your property. 

 

Finding the right realtor is essential to a smooth real estate buying or selling experience, whether you are purchasing your dream home or trying to get top dollar for your property. Consider the following factors when choosing the right realtor for your real estate goals: their experience, qualifications, area of specialization, and commission fees. 

 

What is a Realtor?

A realtor is a licensed professional belonging to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). As a member of the NAR, a realtor promises to uphold the association’s code of ethics, including transparency, honesty and acting in the client’s best interests. 

 

A realtor helps you buy or sell your home by representing you throughout the process. If you’re buying a home, your realtor will:

 

  • Educate you on the current real estate market in your area

  • Locate properties within your budget for you to consider

  • Help you negotiate an offer with the seller

  • Accompany you during home inspections

  • Connect with other professionals in the industry

  • Ensure the closing goes smoothly and is stress-free

 

For those selling a home, a realtor will:

 

  • Help you list your property

  • Optimize your listing to get high offers

  • Negotiate with buyers

  • Assist you with closing activities 

 

How to Find a Realtor

Your first step in working with a realtor is to know where to look. One common approach to finding a realtor is to ask friends or family who they used. You can ask questions to see how their experience went and if they would recommend the realtor. 

 

You can also use online search tools to locate a realtor in your area. Look for realtors with excellent reviews and testimonials from former clients and reach out to them for an initial meeting. You can also take note of real estate agent signs in your area or attend local open house events to connect with a realtor. 

 

Factors to Consider When Interviewing Realtors

When you begin talking to realtors to make your final choice, it’s essential to consider the following factors. You can speak with your realtor to get a feel for how they work and if they are a good match for your needs and personality. 

 

Personalized Attention

When choosing a realtor, the personalized attention you receive plays an integral role in your overall experience. Buying or selling a home can be stressful, and you likely want someone with expert industry knowledge to be on the journey with you. 

 

Some realtors take a hands-on approach, while others use assistants to communicate with clients. When meeting with a potential realtor, ask them what type of interaction they have with clients. Verify that you’ll work directly with the realtor and how much contact to expect throughout the process.

 

Do they typically respond quickly to texts, calls, or emails? Are they personable and take the time to explain important aspects of the market? Do they personally accompany you during the home inspection and closing? Do they take care of issues behind the scenes to streamline your experience, such as negotiating with the seller’s agent or preparing documents, so they are ready to sign?

 

Experience and License

Any realtor you work with should have their state license to practice. In Florida, licensing requirements include:

 

  • 63-hour Florida Real Estate Commission-approved course

  • Submission of application and fingerprints

  • Pass the Real Estate Sales Associate Examination

  • Active license through a state-approved method

 

You also want to choose a realtor with experience in your buying or selling location. While a new or newly arrived realtor may be able to do the job, a realtor who has practiced locally is more likely to have connections and understand how the local housing market works. A local realtor can also recommend a school district or recreational activities if you are new to the area.  

 

If you are selling your property, a well-connected local realtor can recommend everything from general contractors to roofers to cleaning services to help you get your home market-ready. 

 

Bryan Gold is a realtor with Compass Real Estate and has over nine years of experience in South Florida. When you work with Bryan, you can expect a wealth of local knowledge to help you find the perfect neighborhood and home-improvement connections that ensure your home is ready to sell.   

 

Realtor Fees

Realtors’ fees are a major consideration when choosing your agent. Realtors typically charge transaction fees and commission fees. Your realtor should include their fees in your contract and discuss them with you upfront.

 

Realtor commission fees are negotiable, but most charge around 6% of the home’s sale price. If you are selling your home, you’ll likely be responsible for paying all realtor commission fees, so ensure you’re comfortable with their fee rate. 

 

Research Methods

What methods does the realtor use to research homes, determine list pricing, and perform comparative market analysis (CMA)? When choosing your realtor, choose someone comfortable using up-dated technology and digital tools for these tasks. 

 

For example, Bryan uses internet searches and specialized real estate technology to ensure his buying clients find the best homes at the best prices.  He uses the same methods for clients selling their property to experience a stress-free transaction and see a high return on the sale. 

 

Areas of Specialization

When looking for a realtor, consider their area of specialization or expertise. For example, some realtors work primarily in commercial properties, while others work with clients on residential transactions. 

 

If you are buying a home, find a realtor who specializes in helping clients purchase residential properties. Likewise, if you are selling your home, look for a realtor who is passionate about assisting sellers in getting the biggest returns on their property. 

 

Bryan specializes in helping clients sell homes and condominiums in South Florida. He enjoys providing a worry-free experience for sellers by walking you through a streamlined process. With Bryan, the experience begins with an initial discussion of your goals for selling your home. He then talks about pricing and performs a CMA for your property. 

 

Bryan and his team then help you prepare your home and list it for potential buyers. Through a special program with his parent company called Compass Concierge, Bryan can provide you with funds to improve your property, so it sells for maximum profits. He then walks you through the rest of the selling and closing process, making it as easy and simple as possible. 

 

 

Choose a Personable, Experienced Realtor 

Buying or selling a home is a significant undertaking. Choose a personable, experienced realtor like Bryan to ensure your transaction goes as smoothly as possible and you achieve your buying or selling goals. Bryan has guided his clients through the buying and selling process for almost a decade and is passionate about the real estate market in South Florida. 

 

Contact Bryan at (954) 464-3459 or bryan.gold@compass.com to get started today.