5 Things to Be Careful About When Finding a Real Estate Agent – Is a Realtor Your Friend or Your Partner?

Did you know that adrenal glands produce a hormone called cortisol? You probably did. But, do you know why?

Cortisol is being released in specific situations, to help your body cope with stress. In case you still haven’t met your cortisol ally, it means that you either haven’t bought or sold your home so far, or it could mean that you simply are a lucky fellow.

Why would you wanna have a real estate agent in the first place? Well, if your cortisol levels are constantly rising due to your collaboration with one, then you certainly don’t need him (or her).

However, the real estate market is a highly competitive place, so you have to make sure that you’re swimming with the right shark. Still, the relationship between you and your agent should look nothing like a sheer business.

1. Don’t hire an entrepreneur

Although it may sound harsh, you should seek for the person, not a robot. You should choose the relationship, not the trophies. What does this mean in reality? Does it mean that you should overlook their success? Of course not. It just means that finding the right agent equals finding someone who puts you and your needs first. There’s a fine line between benefiting themselves and helping you make the deal of your life. Only the best agents find this line connecting, not separating the two sides. 

2. If the grass is too green, it’s probably fake

You want to find someone who you can be honest with. And vice versa. Truth always solves way more problems than sweeping things under the rug. Flattery and unrealistic promises don’t sell homes nor they find the dream ones. A thorough analysis, a serious approach, and an open discussion about all the risks, concerns, downsides and uncertainties should be just as normal as a regular small talk. You should beware of the agents with misplaced priorities, which can easily be recognized if they put any pressure on you, just to earn their commission.

3. Do they nod or do they listen?

The key to every successful relationship or business is communication. How to determine if the realtor you’re working with resonates with your opinions and preferences? First, you need to find a realtor who will answer your call. Or a text. Or any other source of communication. Do you think this is the least they can do? According to many clients’ complaints, getting in touch with your agent sometimes seems as complicated as closing the deal. Your realtor should ask questions and carefully listen, constantly keep you updated, be available, and finally, be patient with you.

4. Confidence or incompetence? 

Your realtor should be a leader. He has to fight for you, negotiate until he gets the best deal, brainstorm ideas and quickly adapt to new circumstances. This is the person you can trust. Being confident in their abilities is essential for success. However, incompetence shouldn’t be mistaken for confidence. Do not just focus on the charisma, arrogance and loudness. You need to pay attention to their professionalism, their guidance abilities and their honesty in giving you advice. If you wanted a live acting performance, you would go to the theater, not to your agent’s office. If you’re not getting anywhere, it means you probably never will.

5. No, you’re not missing out on anything

If you feel like you’re missing out on something, and your anxiety forces you to make quick decisions, it means you’re involved in one of the sneaky tricks, you need to be aware of. The relationship between you and your real estate agent should feel natural, spontaneous, pressure-free, and it should feel more like teamwork rather than a business collaboration. Why is this important? You should close the deal only if that deal is the best-case scenario that you and your agent fought for and only if the majority of things on your checklist were successfully achieved. Nothing should be done out of fear of loss or other emotions.

Is your realtor your friend or your partner? The million-dollar question can easily be answered. 

He should be both.