The housing marketing is challenging with lots of moving parts. When buying or selling a home, you need someone who will advocate for you, who will help you manage the parts and who will give you some essential advice you wouldn’t otherwise get. The best way to find someone you can trust to represent you? Ask your friends, family and colleagues. And when you do find some great candidates, interview them!
Use the following checklist to help you choose the right realtor.
✔ Do you have a team?
It’s important to have a team of professionals by your side. It’s not possible for one person to be an expert in all of the aspects that go into listing or purchasing a home.
With a team, we have people that specialize in particular areas of real estate. That way, we can ensure each part is done to the best of its ability and delivered with the best possible service.
✔ Do you have a branded presence on major real estate websites?
Realtor.com. Trullia.com. Zillow.com In addition to listing your home on various local websites, you want to make sure it’s enhanced on major real estate websites too featuring more pictures than other listings, banners that make your home stand out and with direct contact information for your realtor.
✔ Do you advertise in any print publications?
Although most buyers begin their search online, print advertising still plays an important role in reaching your target buyer.
We advertise in the Star Tribune’s Homes magazine, Distinctive Homes magazine, Edina magazine and Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, just to name a few.
✔ Do you provide professional photos and a slideshow?
The pictures of your home will be the first things a prospective buyer sees when searching online. You want to make sure the photos of your home are taken by a professional and are of the highest quality. It’s also important that they highlight the features of your home and motivate buyers to set up a showing.
✔ Do you have references I may contact?
Any good realtor should have numerous references that you can contact. And you should talk to them. By talking with their buyers and sellers, you get a real picture of the work they have done for them.
A lot of our clients become our good friends, it’s one of the reasons we call real estate our dream job. We’re happy to share a list of references for you to connect with. We also list reviews on our website.
At the end of the day, it comes down to trust. It’s important to feel comfortable both personally and professionally.
Image courtesy of stockimages.
