DO YOU HAVE A GOOD REALTOR REPRESENTING YOU?

This is a very common question. What does a realtor do? It depends, if you are selling a house or buying one. The common thread that runs through a realtor’s life is his or her relationship with you, the buyer or seller. They represent you when it comes to real estate transactions and it is something every client should take very seriously.

But what does “represent” mean? How does it differ from what a realtor does?

We will focus on representation because these are overarching traits and characteristics that you the client should be aware of. These are things that make great real estate agents.

#1: A Good Realtor Listens and Understands

They should be your advocate. They should listen to your needs, wants, and goals. They should walk with you in a transaction. Not in front or behind, side by side, through the entire process — a process that is intimidating for most people.

Every client is different, just like every home is. Some people want to list their house “as is.” Others need advice on how to stage or what repairs to make. Still others may have special requirements like the company they work for is moving the family ASAP.

When buyers tell a realtor their circumstances, often times the realtor will have to dig deeper to truly understand what the client is really trying to say. Someone once said that understands “unexpressed needs” because they don’t express something because, they’re unaware of it themselves.

Here’s an example:

A wife wants to move and thinks everything is good to go but the husband seems wary, although he supports his wife. It turns out the husband thinks A, B, and C need to be fixed first and D, E, and F need to be replaced before the house can go on the market. The wife said all along the layout is great; it’s a hot real estate market, so the house will sell. The husband isn’t so sure. In the end, the realtor sided with the wife but the husband ultimately was correct because the house didn’t sell.

When realtors represent you, they are your advocates. They should be impartial and stand up for what will help you achieve the goal of selling a house quickly and for the most money.

#2: A Good Realtor Anticipates

By this I mean, they use their knowledge and skills not only in real estate but in dealing with people and understanding human behavior.

• They should try to predict problems ahead of time and take care of them so they don’t impact you.
• They should try to simplify the process of buying a new home by anticipating your needs, the market, and your competition, how people and other realtors will react when they walk into your home.
• Most of their work is behind the scenes. You’ll never see them researching, coordinating, communicating, and planning — but you will see and hear the results when you meet with them.
• They should also “shield” you from any internal drama and believe me there can be a lot of drama in real estate— inspections, taut negotiations, mortgage and title issues, disagreements. This does not mean they keep information from you. Rather, they as your representative should be calm steadily focused on a successful sale.

#3: A Good Realtor Safeguards

Being represented by a realtor means that your overall interests are protected. Here’s an example that happens a lot:

• A couple tells a realtor, they have a certain price range, but they get swept up in the euphoria of looking at homes. It can be a lot of fun dreaming and they start edging up to higher priced homes to the point they’re out of their comfort zone. A realtor could encourage you to buy that more expensive house, as it would be more commission for them but, ultimately it may not be best option for you in the end. Good, caring realtorskeep their clients focused.
• Another way realtors represent you is offering a peace-of-mind safeguard. A lot of personal information is required in real estate transactions. Realtors protect your information, and only communicate details to third parties that you want that information to be known.
• Another reassurance is that realtors are there to step in if problems or conflicts arise and quick resolution is needed.

#4: A Good Realtor is Knowledgeable

This translates to not only being smart but being quick on their feet, being resourceful, and being one or two or even five steps ahead of everybody else.

• Realtors not only know about comps and prices, but they are aware of the shifts and trends in real estate throughout the area, the region, and the country.
• They interpret statistics and bring context and analysis to you so it’s easier to understand what’s going on and why. You want any advantage you can get when selling a home or making an offer to buy one.
• Representing is also about steering. Not to the best or worst school districts or to the areas with the best crime statistics, for example. That’s actually a no-no as the Federal Fair Housing Actprohibits realtors from “steering” clients to or away from specifics using criteria like schools and crime stats. But they can direct you to solutions and answers using their extensive network of industry professionals, builders, contractors, and anybody else who can help with the sale or purchase of a home.

#5: A Good Realtor is Your Intermediary

I don’t think many sellers or buyers even realize, but a part of a realtor representing you. Is that they walk with you throughout the entire process as a guide and mediator.

They should be your buffer. You can sit back and relax or go to work and not worry what’s going on behind the scene. They are paid to deal with the with the stress of scheduling, delivering information, negotiating bids, haggling, and dealing.

In the end, representation by a realtor is more than following a step-by-step process or ticking off boxes on a to-do list. Representation means having the traits and characteristics to successfully guide you through a transaction so you can meet your goals quickly, cost effectively, and with minimal hassle. So do your due diligent and find a good reputably realtor who will walk the path with you.