Keys to Finding the Right Realtor in Detroit Michigan
Who you ultimately hire as your Realtor matters.
Who you hire can make a huge difference in your results; regardless of whether you’re buying or selling anywhere, let alone Detroit.
There’s a ton of them here in Metro Detroit. So I made this post to help you find the right one for you.
Related: Realtors in Detroit Michigan | 7 Justifiable Reasons to File Yours
Difference Between Realtors and Agents
I want to make it clear that there’s a difference between a real estate agent, and Realtor.
They do the same job, but Realtors are members of the National Association of REALTORS.
As a member, Realtors have to abide by the Realtor Code of Ethics, which is a strictly enforced code of ethics.
Now let’s talk about what you can do to make sure the Realtor or agent you find is a good fit for you.
Disclaimer: I will be using the word Realtor in this article, but just know that it applies to both Realtors and real estate agents. Yes, I know that negates what I just said above, but cut me some slack, here, will ya? 🙂
1. Attend Local Events
You can also stop by the Oakland and/or Wayne County REIA (Real Estate Investor Association) meetings.
I guarantee you that you’ll find at least one there.
You can also go on Meetup.com, and other sites like that, and just search for real estate-related events.
From my experiences, whenever it’s something dealing with real estate, you’re going to see some Realtors there.
2. How Long Have they Been in the Business?
I just read yesterday that 80 per cent of Realtors quit within their first year in the business.
And then 80 per cent of the ones that last that first year end up quitting within five years.
Now I’m not saying that you should only work with Realtor’s that have been a Realtor for five years or more.
I’m sure there are good ones that haven’t been in the game that long..,
…But at the same time, it’s tough being a Realtor.
Brutal, even.
So if someone has hung around for five years, you can bet that they’ve gained a ton of experience, and have made a bunch of relationships that can help you buy or sell a house.
On top of that, if they’ve lasted that long, they have some fight in them.
And that’s a good asset, because that probably means they have the perseverance to help you accomplish your goals as well.
3. Ask for a Referral
Why not ask friends and family if they can recommend a Realtor?
Or post a status update on Facebook asking if anyone recommends somebody?
Be careful though. Don’t go hiring someone just because of the referral. Someone who was a good fit for someone else may not be a good fit for you and your situation.
4. Pay Attention to Ads
I’ve found that most of the more successful Realtors tend to pay for professional advertising.
Grab a copy of the Detroit Free Press and look in the Real Estate Classifieds section.
I guarantee you that you’ll see at least one ad for an agency or agent in there.
5. Set up Meetings
After you’ve spoken to them over the phone, schedule a meeting with the Realtors you think you like, so you can get a feel for them.
But make sure they know that you’re not committing to them just yet, you’re just meeting with a few prospects before you make your decision.
Whatever you do, don’t get pressured into officially hiring them until you’re one hundred per cent ready to work with them.
6. What to Do in Meetings
Follow Your Gut
When you’re meeting with them, pay attention to their mannerisms.
See how you feel about them. Do they seem trustworthy? Do they seem like a good fit for you personality-wise?
Even though it’s your first in-person interaction with them, ask yourself if you like them.
Here are a few questions you want to ask:
- How long have you lived in the area? (The longer, the better.)
- How long have you been active as a Realtor and/or agent in this area? (Again, the longer, the better.)
- What kind of marketing tactics do you use for clients other than just listing houses on the MLS (disregard this one if you’re trying to buy a house and not sell one)?
- Do you have an active real estate license?
- Are you a Realtor, or an agent?
- Do you do this full-time?
There’s other questions you might want to ask as well.
To get some ideas, do a Google search for “questions to ask a real estate agent”, or something like that.
Take Notes
Make sure you bring something to write with so that you can jot down their answers.
You might also want to get your list of questions together before you meet with that first agent. That way, you can ask each agent you meet with the same questions, so that you’re comparing apples-to-apples when you’re making your decision.
OK, that’s it for now. Click here to check out part two.
What tips would you have for someone looking for a good agent or Realtor? Leave a comment below.
Would you like to sell your house for cash? Click here to get a free CASH offer, with no obligation.
Or just give us a call: 313.454.1190.
References:
Real Estate Agents versus REALTORS (via homebuying.about.com)
How to Find a Great Real Estate Agent You Can Trust (via moneycrashers.com)
7 tips for picking a real estate agent (via bankrate.com)
Verify Your Real Estate Agent’s Credentials: How to Find Out If Your Agent is Lying (via homebuying.about.com)
