Even BEFORE you get pre approved....

I know, I know! Every time you read an article they tell you the first thing you need to do is get preapproved.

But I actually believe there is a very important step before that.

It is imperative that you find a Realtor that you 99.9% trust.

How do you find YOUR Realtor? You ask for recommendations from people that you respect and do your homework! This is NOT the time to “help” out the friend that just got their license or to call up your mom‘s cousin’s best friend’s sister. This doesn’t mean doing a web search and just looking at Google reviews. You will need to meet with them and interview them. I know we all love technology and our zoom meetings, but there is nothing like an in person meeting; walking into an actual office, shaking hands, getting one of those child size bottled waters, and sitting around a conference table!

• How long have you been a Realtor? How many transactions do you do a year?

• Area of expertise? Resales, new construction, custom homes?

• How do you communicate with your clients? How often?

• What do your clients like about you?

• If you are unavailable, do you have support? Do you have a team?

• If there is an issue, can you get in touch with your Broker quickly?

• Preferred vendor list?

• What kind of marketing do you do?
  
  Commit and sign a loyalty agreement or create a secret handshake, or whatever binds you together into eternity or at least until closing. Your Realtor is going to be by your side every step of the way. You will talk to them some days more than your best friend, parents or kids.
  
  They are going to walk you through the entire home buying or selling process, the ever-changing market and if sh*t hits the fan, how they are going to handle it on your behalf. What you are reading on Zillow and what you are hearing on national news is most likely not what is happening in your local market. Rely on your Realtor to give you their expert advice. Lean on them for guidance. If you don’t have that kind of faith in your Realtor, it is time to find a new one. Just like your attorney or your accountant, your Realtor works on your behalf and represents YOU. You need a Professional Realtor.