CHOOSING A REALTOR
EXPERIENCE, CONTACTS AND CLEAR COMMUNICATION COUNT
By Joan Christensen / Photo by Carter Photographics

GOOD RAPPORT: Kristie DeLay, a local realtor, opens the door to a real estate property for sale.

Would you set your own broken leg? Would you represent yourself in court? For the best outcome, probably not. So when buying or selling a home – one of the most important and significant financial decisions in your life – can you trust your ability to handle all the logistics of this transaction unassisted?

Finding a professional realtor can save time, ease aggravation, eliminate confusion, reduce effort and make an often complicated and emotional process easier and less stressful. Realtors have market knowledge, access to vital information and negotiation skills, and they know how to efficiently handle details like appraisals, financing and title work.

Step one is finding a REALTOR® ­– a licensed professional that belongs to the National Association of Realtors that is held to a code of ethics that protect buyers, sellers and other brokers. Excellent realtors also actively participate in ongoing continuing education.

“The best way to find a realtor is word of mouth,” suggests Kristie DeLay, a real estate broker in Granby. “Talk to your friends and neighbors and do some online research.”

This advice is echoed and expanded on by Paul Lewis, a 24-year resident of the Fraser Valley and a real estate broker since 1998 with Coldwell Banker in Winter Park.

“Start by looking on the Internet and visit a number of individual websites to look for valuable content and real information,” advises Lewis. “One place to observe realtors is at open houses where you can see if they are knowledgeable, friendly and engaging.”

Paul and Kristie recommend meeting with prospective realtors before hiring them. A face-to-face meeting provides an opportunity to ask specific questions about their credentials, experience and contacts. Be sure to ask if your future realtor has the time and “bandwidth” to work with you personally.

“It’s important to work with someone you feel comfortable with and have good rapport,” insists Kristie. “Be sure to inquire about their experience, selling style and performance,” urges Paul.

Buyers should be looking for a person who is well connected in the community and knows about all the properties that are available as well as the appraisers, mortgage brokers and title companies that will be involved. Sellers should ask about a proposed marketing plan for their property.

Experienced realtors should provide ‘first-timers’ with a clear explanation of the entire buying or selling process so they understand the steps for completing a transaction. Even experienced buyers and sellers can benefit from a step-by-step review of what to expect.

And, like doctors and lawyers, realtors often have areas of specialty. Specific training and credentials are available for realtors who choose to work with certain segments such as distressed property, second properties, short sales and foreclosures. That expertise can be an important consideration when choosing a realtor in today’s market.

“Ultimately, clear communication is the key to a productive and successful real estate relationship,” says Kristie. “A good real estate professional must be creative and have the ability to adjust to an ever-changing market.”

Realtor’s advice:
For buyers:
• Look for a property that is in a good location, is a good investment and has good re-sale potential down the road.

For sellers:
• Be patient and don’t sell if you don’t have to right now. If you must sell, work with your realtor to find the price point that you can accept, and then do everything you can to make your home more attractive to buyers including de-cluttering, deep cleaning and completing maintenance projects.

READ MORE STORIES FROM THIS ISSUE:
• Winter 2011 Articles