There’s hardly anything more exciting than moving into a new home–new surroundings, new neighbors, and new beginnings. However, before you can embark on this journey, you need to find the right house. More importantly, you need to work with a realtor who will ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. This is especially the case if you’re a first-time home-buyer. If you want to secure the best deal, then here are a few things you should look for in a realtor when purchasing a home.

Responsive

One of the best ways to find out if a realtor is right for you is to pay attention to how responsive they are. When you call, they should answer or at least call you back as soon as possible. Why is this so important? Well, real estate as an industry that revolves around time. And if a house is in demand, then it’s likely they’ll go quickly. In many instances, the house will go to the person who is the first to make offers. So it’s essential that your real estate agent is always on their toes.

So consider their reputation. Are they known for making their clients a top priority? Do they have a reputation for ignoring calls? How quickly do they respond to an email? These may seem like small details, but they can cost or save you a significant amount of money in the end.

Familiarity with the Area

Not only should your agent be responsive, but he or she should also be familiar with the neighborhood in which you would like to buy. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, the agent will be able to get you a better deal because they’ll be familiar with the average cost of the homes in that area. They’ll know when the asking price is too high and should be brought down. Lawyers like Justin Hennessey will also be able to tell you if the offer you want to make is realistic and should be increased.

Another key reason to work with an agent that’s familiar with the area is that they can help to educate you about what you can expect from it. They’ll be able to shed light on local issues, schools, traffic concerns, and more. So consider their previous work. Have they bought or sold in the neighborhood you’re interested in?

Full-time

It’s best to work with someone who works as a real estate agent full-time. You see, there are a lot of individuals who work as a real estate agent in order to supplement their income. Instead of it being their career, they consider it to be more of a side gig. The problem with this is that this may affect their schedule. And they may not be available to assist you when needed. What’s worse, some of these individuals may only be on the lookout for their own best interests.

So before hiring a realtor, make sure that you ask them about their status. Are they full-time, or is it one of their many side hustles? Find out how long they’ve been in the industry. Ask about the number of transactions they typically completely within a month. The truth is, there are a lot of part-time real estates who are looking to eventually make it their full-time career. However, if the person is interested in a get rich quick scheme, they aren’t the best option for you. The only exception to this rule is if the person is a full-time realtor and has a thorough knowledge of the area.

Experience

In most cases, it seems like a no-brainer to do business with someone you’re close to. This is especially the case when it comes to real estate. Not only do you get a brand new home, but your friend or family members get to take home the commission from the sale. If the money has to go to someone, then it may as well be someone close to you, right? Well, not if the person doesn’t have experience.

While you may feel more comfortable working with someone you know, it’s important to keep in mind that this is likely one of the largest purchases you’ve ever made or will ever make. And that means that there’s little to no room for error. If this person has very little experience, it’s not worth it. Your brother, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, or best friend since childhood may seem very convincing and determined, but your best bet is to deal with the discomfort that may come from turning them down.

Your agent should have years of experience in the real estate industry. The more experience they have, the more efficiently they’ll work. And this will inevitably lead to an easier purchase.

Referrals

It’s very likely that you’re not the first person in your family or among your friends and co-workers who’s been in the market for a new house. While it’s not ideal to work with someone who is close in relation to you, you can always ask them to refer you to an agent that they’ve worked with.

The benefit of choosing an agent based on the referrals you get is that people usually offer the names of people they trust. It’s much better than choosing someone whom you know nothing about. Just make sure that you ask the most important questions. Was this person always on time for their meetings? Did they communicate well between the buyer and seller? Did they feel pressured to make a purchase? Did they go over the contract to ensure that they understood everything? Were they professional?

Comfort Level

There’s always a chance that you can find the perfect home within a few days of your starting the search. There’s also a chance that the process can take several months. If it takes you longer than expected to find the ideal home, then you’re going to be spending a lot of time with your agent. You’ll be in constant contact through emails and phone calls. You’ll also spend time with them in person as they’ll help with guided tours through the homes. That’s why it’s so important that you’re comfortable with this person.

When choosing the best realtor, search for someone you have professional chemistry with. This person should understand your goals and make it clear that they have a genuine desire to help you achieve them. The more likable the person is, the easier the process will seem.

Licensed

Real estate laws differ from state to state. So in order to work in the industry, you’re required to become licensed. This ensures that the agent is familiar with all of the most important principles and best practices. However, believe it or not, there are some individuals who will lie about being licensed. This means that they lack the most important credentials. Before hiring an agent, make sure that you ask to see their license. You may also search online databases to check the authenticity of the license.

Conclusion

While finding a new home can be a lot of work, it doesn’t mean that it has to be stressful. This is especially the case if you’re working with a qualified real estate agent. The key is to do your research before signing up to work with someone. Consider their knowledge and level of expertise. Take into account how much experience they have and if they’re fully committed to being an agent. You should also make sure that this is someone you trust and are comfortable with.