You may love your realtor, but does your realtor love you? Like any working relationship, your partnership with your realtor is a two-way street that works best when the relationship is mutually beneficial. Buying or selling a home is a big job, and your realtor is an important ally. But there are ways you can help make their job easier, too. Over the years we’ve experienced many client-agent relationships both good and bad, and we’ve put together a few tips for making sure you’re doing your part to make your partnership a successful one.
Be honest – Your realtor isn’t a mind reader. They can’t know what you’re looking for or what your budget is unless you tell them, and they can’t help you find your dream home if you don’t help them know it when they see it. Be open about how flexible your criteria and price range are. Your agent might not show you what could be your perfect house if they think you’re not open to stretching your budget.
Trust your agent – Trust is the foundation of any good relationship, and your relationship with your realtor is no different. If you’ve chosen to work with a realtor, don’t undermine their expertise with the anecdotal advice of coworkers, friends, or family. A good agent will be your tireless advocate in hunting and negotiating, but you have to trust them to do their job.
Communicate – It’s okay to go to some showings or open houses alone, but if you do, make sure you communicate to the listing agent that you are already represented, along with your agent’s name. If you provide any of your information to the listing agent directly, you may wind up having to make an offer through them instead of your realtor, and you won’t get as favorable a deal.
Make it your priority – If you’ve decided to hire a realtor and get serious about buying or selling a home, make it a priority in your life. Be willing to take time from work to go on showings, research listings, and communicate with your agent. Hiring a realtor to help you buy or sell a home doesn’t mean they’re going to do all the work—you have responsibilities too. It’s a joint effort, and they can’t do their job well if you’re not willing to hold up your end.
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