When you’re planning to buy or sell a property, you might be thinking of handling the process on your own. While you can definitely manage a real estate transaction by yourself, there are many more benefits to having a talented Marathon, FL Realtor working on your behalf. This article aims to discuss what a Realtor can do for you, and how you can find the best one for your needs.
WHAT IS A REALTOR?
All Realtors are real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are Realtors. The word “Realtor” is trademarked, that’s why it always begins with a capital letter. Realtors are licensed real estate professionals that are members of the National Associations of Realtors (NAR).
Most people think that Realtors and real estate agents are the same. In most cases, they are. However, there are a couple of key differences that make Realtors the better option.
To begin with, there’s training and education. As a member of NAR, Realtors are required to pursue continuing education to ensure they are at the top of their game. There’s also the NAR Code of Ethics, which sets the high standards which every Realtor must abide by when dealing with clients, the public, and fellow Realtors.
5 BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A REALTOR
It’s in your best interest to work with a Realtor, especially if it’s your first time buying or selling a home in Marathon, FL. Good Realtors bring numerous skills and benefits to the table to help you go through your real estate journey with ease.
Here are the top five advantages of working with a qualified Realtor in Marathon, FL.
-
MARKET KNOWLEDGE
Good agents have a deep understanding of current real estate market trends and conditions, making them well-versed in factors that impact the sale or purchase of property such as inflation, interest rates, regulations, and more. Working with a Realtor equips you with valuable insight so that you can make informed decisions quickly.
-
MLS ACCESS
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a valuable tool for buying or selling a home. The system delivers numerous advantages for buyers and sellers alike – advantages that are not usually available on regular online real estate listing platforms. Unfortunately, MLS is only made available to real estate professionals. This means that for you to have access to MLS and its multitudinous benefits, you’ll have to work with a Realtor.
-
PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
Experienced Marathon, FL Realtors have an established network of professionals in the industry. They know contractors, inspectors, assessors, staging companies, and other allied service providers. This network can be a huge boost to both buyers and sellers, as it eliminates the need for the time-consuming task of searching on your own.
-
NEGOTIATING POWER
Negotiations are part and parcel of real estate transactions. However, they can be a source of great frustration, especially for buyers and sellers who are emotionally invested in their property. A skilled agent can serve as the voice of reason, bringing objectivity to tricky situations and securing the best possible deal for you. Their knowledge and experience allow them to build a strong case for you to maximize your return on investment.
-
STRESS-FREE TRANSACTION
A real estate transaction is typically a long and lengthy process filled with paperwork, renovations, inspections, negotiations, etc. Plus, there are many risks that you may fall victim to if you don’t know what to look for. A real estate agent takes care of the bulk of responsibilities, while insulating you from potentially costly mistakes. You’ll save a lot of time, effort, and money this way, giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re on the right track.
3 GOOD REASONS TO CHOOSE A LOCAL REALTOR
-
Local Realtors know the neighborhood better than anyone
The first reason is obvious. A local Realtor knows the area like the back of their hand, from residential properties to businesses, schools to local amenities. If you’re a buyer, local Realtors will know the specific places and facilities that complement your lifestyle. Their intimate understanding of the community makes it easier for you to find a house in the neighborhood that best suits your needs. If you’re a seller, you can trust a local Realtor to market your property in the most effective manner, because they understand its biggest selling points.
-
Local Realtors have a stake in the community
Local Realtors have a huge incentive to make the community they live in a better place for everyone. And since their clients will eventually become their neighbors (if they’re not already), Realtors want to make sure they deliver the best possible outcome for their service. Even if you’re selling your house and moving away, they will still work hard on your behalf, because they understand that their success in the local community is largely based on building a solid reputation and good word-of-mouth.
-
Local Realtors know what to do
Countless real estate considerations can easily overwhelm an inexperienced buyer or seller. The local economy, cost of living in the area, house market trends – there’s so much information you have to take in. That’s on top of the paperwork you must complete for public and private entities. With a local Realtor handling your real estate transaction, you can rest easy that you have an expert who knows the ins and outs of the business.
5 OUTSTANDING QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR IN A REALTOR
As you get ready to move ahead with your real estate plans, it’s time to look for a Realtor who will guide you to the right path. With so many agents eager to work with you, you want to make sure you hire the one who is right for you and who can deliver on your goals.
Here are the top five qualities of an exceptional Realtor:
-
Communication skills
You need a professional who can communicate with you consistently and effectively through your preferred communication channels, whether by phone, email, text, or video conferencing. The most reliable Realtors can be trusted to take the initiative to update their clients about key developments as soon as possible.
-
Transparency
Aside from keeping you in the loop, an agent should also be willing to tell you the truth about a property – and not only say what you want to hear. Your chosen agent should be able to truthfully answer questions about the property’s history, days on the market, pricing, condition, etc. Likewise, there should be no unpleasant surprises concerning fees and services. Honesty will be crucial to building a harmonious working relationship between your agent and you.
-
Proven ability to negotiate
A high-quality Realtor in Marathon, FL will strive to get the best deal for both parties. Moreover, they will make sure you know when you have a good deal, and when not to accept. Even if the price tag is non-negotiable, great Realtors know the different areas for negotiation, such as convincing the seller to shoulder repairs. Most important of all, they will know when it’s better to drop a deal and move on.
-
Knack for solving problems
The most successful Realtors dedicate time to overcoming difficulties and tackling challenges. Your agent should recognize your unique circumstances to come up with the best solutions to your particular real estate needs. Likewise, some issues need creative thinking to solve, so you need to find an agent who’s an adept out-of-the-box thinker.
-
Tech savviness
Digital apps and tools can simplify many processes for Realtors. Communicating with clients, listing properties, and even signing documents can now be done in the digital realm. That’s why you simply can’t afford to hire an agent who doesn’t practice a high level of tech-savviness in their job.
TIPS FOR FINDING THE BEST REALTOR FOR YOUR NEEDS
Knowledge is power, as they say, and knowing how to find the best Realtor in Marathon, FL can make your life so much easier. Here are five easy steps for finding the best Realtor.
-
ASK FOR REFERRALS
Start by reaching out to your personal network who may know a good agent in the location. Asking friends and family members who can give you good advice is a great way to shorten the search process. If you’re not from Marathon, you can try contacting local communities on social media for recommendations.
-
GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION
Banks and credit unions are well connected everywhere, and they often have programs that can set clients up with qualified Realtors. These lending institutions only work with reputable Realtors, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re working with someone you can trust.
-
INTERVIEW 3 TO 4 REALTORS
Once you have gathered a few good leads, it’s time to call each of them to check their credentials and experience. Make it a point to interview three to four Marathon, FL Realtors before making your decision. Ask about their most recent transactions and the general price range of the properties they specialize in to ensure they can capably represent you.
-
FIND YOUR MATCH
It’s crucial to find a Realtor you can get along with. During your interview, try to get a feel for their personality and working style to see if they are a good fit for you.
-
CHECK THEIR REFERENCES
Don’t forget to ask the Realtor for references. Talking to their previous clients will give you a good idea of their track record. If past clients are happy with the service they received, there’s a good chance that you will be, too.
TOP 4 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR REALTOR
By having a Realtor by your side from the beginning of your real estate journey, you’ll know that you’re on the right track with every step you take. Be prepared to ask the following questions during your initial consultation to ensure you are working with the one who can best represent your interests.
-
ASK YOUR REALTOR: How long have you been a Realtor?
A rookie agent may find themselves struggling and feeling their way around your real estate transaction. That’s why experience matters when choosing a Realtor. Qualified Realtors who have worked for at least five years will draw on their experience to find solutions for you. After working with numerous clients, they will know how to take care of you and understand your needs in a way that newer agents can’t.
-
ASK YOUR REALTOR: How many transactions have you closed in the past 12 months?
This question helps reveal the Realtor’s level of experience. You’ll want a specific number, along with the type of properties they usually handle, and the price range of their transactions. Look for Realtors in Marathon, FL who work at least one deal every month – they will have the knowledge and the rhythm to achieve a win-win outcome for all involved. On your own, you can also check out the client’s website for testimonials of their clients, or read online reviews.
-
ASK YOUR REALTOR: What can I expect from you as a Realtor?
A reliable Realtor will be able to design a personalized marketing plan for you. Worthwhile Realtors will be ready with their answer for this question and discuss their unique approaches to help meet your goals. Make sure that your Realtor is able to commit to the following:
For sellers
- Actively contact interested buyers instead of waiting for them to inquire
- Help you stage the property and host open houses if necessary
- Detail how they plan to market your home
For buyers
- Explore properties on MLS, as well as the physical neighborhood
- Have a professional network in place that can help you close on schedule
- Contact you every time a new property hits the market or there’s an important development in your investments
-
ASK YOUR REALTOR: What if I’m unhappy with your service?
Asking this question allows you to discuss what you need to do in case the partnership doesn’t work and you decide to take a different route with your real estate journey. A responsible Realtor will not force you to stay in a working arrangement you’re no longer comfortable with. Even when there’s a signed contract between you and your Realtor, they should still be willing to release you should you decide to do so.
HOW TO TELL WHEN YOU’RE WORKING WITH A GREAT REALTOR
-
You enjoy working with them
Different Realtors have different ways of interacting with their clients. Thus, your Realtor should be someone you truly enjoy working with. You want someone you feel comfortable asking your questions to. You want someone whose communication style you prefer. You don’t want to constantly be dealing with someone whose personality doesn’t complement your own, especially when issues start to surface.
-
They provide personalized service
Your real estate needs are unique to you and you alone, and the Realtor in Marathon, FL you choose to work with must understand that. Whether you’re a first timer or seasoned in dealing with real estate transactions, you need someone who truly listens, will put your priorities first, and tailor their services to suit your needs. A good Realtor will be able to do these and more because they understand that you, their client, are the boss.
-
Communicating with them is easy
Trustworthy Realtors make it a point to reply to you as quickly as they can, and never leave you waiting too long for an answer. From day one, they will establish your preferred communication channels, time of day, and frequency. If they are busy and can’t respond quickly, they’ll get back to you as soon as they are available. They also make sure to keep you informed of any updates.
-
They are resourceful
Arguably, resourcefulness is the one characteristic that distinguishes a great Realtor from an average one. Because they understand that every step of the buying/selling process is a touch point, the best Realtors won’t hesitate to reach out to you first. They will not sit back and wait for you to contact them. Instead, they will take the initiative, communicating proactively to ensure you are ahead of the curve every step of the way.
-
They’re not afraid to tell you what you need to hear
Honesty and integrity are a Realtor’s biggest assets. With the money involved in buying or selling property, you want someone you can trust to help you make the right decisions. When your agent is truthful, positive, straightforward, and just, you will have gained a valuable partner who can provide you with great information and insight.
WORK WITH THE LISA FERRINGO GROUP TODAY
Whether you plan to buy or sell your home in Marathon, FL, the Lisa Ferringo Group has a team of Realtors to ensure your transaction proceeds smoothly. We provide the same high level of service to all of our clients, whether you’re a first-time buyer or seller, or a long-time real estate investor. Call the Lisa Ferringo Group at 305.872.5261 or contact us here for any real estate-related questions you may have.