For many people, buying a home means making the largest purchase of their lives. It’s a big deal, involving many moving parts. In fact, an average transaction can involve up to 10 to 15 individual people! The paperwork is boggling and timing is critical… so hiring a Realtor can certainly help you navigate all of this.
Sounds Expensive…
Most people don’t realize that ‘hiring’ a Realtor doesn’t usually cost a buyer anything. In Humboldt County, the Realtor fees, on both sides of the transaction, are typically covered by the seller. This is great news, because it means you can easily find someone to act as your advocate in this process. It is important to note that Commissions are negotiable, and it can’t be guaranteed that the seller will pay the fees, but this is true in almost every transaction locally.
Won’t any Realtor do?
If you go to Google Search and type in: “Realtors are…” you’ll get some less-than-encouraging results. The top 4 results are “overpaid, a joke, shady, obsolete…” and that’s just the beginning.
The fact is, Realtors have a fiduciary duty to their clients, which means that we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interests. The concept that Realtors are corrupt comes from a time when there weren’t appropriate regulations and standards governing the way real estate is transacted. Nevertheless, you should feel very comfortable trusting your Realtor, because buying a house is personal.
Each Realtor is different, and each company offers different features, so it’s actually pretty important to shop around for the right fit. Some people like contacting a Realtor based on reviews or recommendations from friends and family, while others want a Realtor that specialize in one kind of property type or transaction. Whomever you choose, make sure that you feel like your Realtor is working for you.
What to look for in a Realtor
There are a few things to look for in a good Realtor, all of which will harmonize your buying experience.
RESPONSIVE
If you’ve called a Realtor and they do not return your call in a timely manner, that is a red flag. It’s amazing how often we hear from clients about Realtors they’ve reached out to who never returned their call!? If you’re buying your first house, you definitely need someone willing to pick up the phone or call you back.
EDUCATIONAL
Your Realtor should be ready to educate you about anything and everything having to do with your transaction. A Realtor may not have answers to every single question, but should be eager and willing to find the answer.
THOUGHTFUL
A good Realtor is interested in understanding your specific needs and wants and being able to analyze the market you’re buying in to really guide you to homes that fit your criteria, budget and lifestyle. Finding the right person, means someone who is not only interested in helping you buy a house, but rather, find a home AND make a good investment.
ACTIVE
Your Realtor should be on top of each and every aspect of the transaction. You should not be reaching out to find out information about how your escrow is proceeding. Your Realtor should communicate with you effectively and often. An active Realtor will be interested in negotiating for you, coordinating other professionals on your behalf and solving any problems that may arise.
ORGANIZED
Even seasoned professionals can lose track of the major amounts of paperwork that a real estate transaction can involve. An organized Realtor will keep your transaction file up-to-date, will be involved in the timeline of your sale on a regular basis, and will assure that each and every important piece of paper is in it’s place. In an ideal Realtor-Buyer relationship, you would never even notice, because things would flow so smoothly. Unfortunately, the reverse can make buying a house very chaotic, stressful, and may even have legal consequences.
We know a couple of good Realtors….
If you’re brand new here, sorry for being cheeky, but this whole website is for our business as Realtors serving the amazing people of Humboldt County! We’d love the chance to help you with this important process. Get in touch with us today to find out where to get started or learn more about us here!
