If you are thinking of buying or selling a condo or an apartment, a real estate agent can be your most critical ally in the process.
Realtors are licensed, trained professionals who know their local real estate markets inside and out. They can help you negotiate offers and deals, provide insight into housing prices, and assess the neighborhoods and homes for sale.
But picking a Realtor is no easy task.
A lot goes into choosing a Realtor than just looking at how many houses they’ve sold and their past experience.
But how do you choose the right one?
Here is a list of things you must consider when picking a Realtor to work with:
1. Specialty
Does the agent specialize in a particular type of property or area? If you’re selling a condo, you may want an agent who has experience selling those types of homes and knows their value in the marketplace.
Likewise, if you’re purchasing a home in a neighborhood that has its own unique characteristics, or one that’s gone through recent changes (such as gentrification), look for an agent who is familiar with the area.
2. Familiarity With Your Neighborhood
Make sure the local real estate agent you choose knows your neighborhood of choice. This means they can give you an accurate estimate of what homes in that area are worth and show you homes that fit your specific needs and price range.
The Realtor should also be familiar with local market trends, school districts, transportation options, and points of interest.
3. Flexibility
The best real estate agents are flexible when it comes to working around their clients’ schedules, so be sure any agent you choose can meet you when it’s convenient for you — including nights or weekends if necessary. It would be helpful if they’re willing to show properties at times that are convenient for potential buyers — say, not during traditional work hours.
4. Professional Designations
A real estate agent who has additional certifications and professional designations besides just being a licensed Realtor is more likely to have extensive training and experience in specific areas of real estate. Some of the most common designations are listed below:
- CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
- ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative)
- SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist)
- GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute)
5. Work With a Full-Time Realtor
There are plenty of part-time real estate agents in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers out there who might have other jobs or only dabble in selling homes every now and then. While these agents might have extensive experience and knowledge, a full-time Realtor will be able to devote more time to locating the perfect home for you or helping you sell your home quickly for a fair price.
Our experienced real estate agents at Southwest Florida R.E. Group understand just how much is on the line and will help ease the stress of buying or selling a home for you.
We are an experienced real estate company in Southwest Florida that believes in providing a reliable, speedy, and profitable deal for you and your family. Our Realtors will work with you, negotiate on your behalf, and help you make smart decisions.
Have a look at our team and get in touch today!