Author name: mkincaid24

I’ve read many, many versions of this blog but its so important I thought I would take my own stab at it. I hope to draw out some things you may not have considered. I find many people just stumble upon a realtor, they inquire online and are off to the races. Or their mom’s best friend Marge is the realtor everyone in the family uses. While the realtor you find online or dear Marge may be wonderful, they may not be YOUR realtor. Choosing a realtor is a big decision, it should be up there with choosing a financial advisor, a pediatrician or a business partner. A realtor can not only guide you through the process of buying and selling, but they can have a profound impact on your financial wellness for years to come. Here are the things I think are most important to think about: Do they listen? Do they make you feel heard? Making real estate decisions should always go hand in hand with big picture discussions, discussions about short term and long term plans, discussions about financial goals, discussions about home life and how you want to live in your home. It is so important you find someone who can ask the right questions and then listen, to truly hear your needs. Are they experienced AND agile? Real Estate is a constantly moving, ever evolving market. A realtor must have some level of experience that proves their ability to understand the market and advocate for the clients. But more importantly, an agility to mold their methods to current market. Just because someone has 20 years in the business, does not mean they know what it takes to get you into your dream home today. How do they handle pressure? This is an important question to ask, and an important answer to digest. Real Estate transactions are stressful! Buying or selling comes with a slew of emotions, many deadlines to meet, documents to gather, etc. It is important to work with someone who can keep a level head and meet you where you are in the moment. A good realtor will celebrate the wins and hold your hand through the obstacles. Do you like spending time with them!? This may seem trivial, if they’re good at their job does it matter if they’re fun? YES. You will inevitably spend a lot of time with your realtor. You will communicate often, talk through challenges and dreams. I find building a relationship can make the process that much more enjoyable and rewarding. I find meeting new clients to be one of the highlights of my profession. Sometimes I am their realtor, and sometimes I’m not. And that is OKAY! It is important to consider all of the above before jumping in. Once you find your realtor, it can be a long lasting and productive relationship. I’d love to learn more about you, your goals, and whether I might be the realtor for you!