How do you choose the right Realtor when you personally know several in your area?
Updated October 2024
Selecting the right Realtor is a big step in your home buying or selling journey. It’s common to know a few agents—friends, family, or neighbors. But, just because someone close is in real estate doesn’t mean they’re the perfect fit for you.
Here are some friendly tips to help you figure out the best path when considering a friend or family member as your Realtor.
Research Their Real Estate Experience
A great tool to learn more about your Friend or Family member’s real estate expertise is to Google them before working with them. Check out their online presence, reviews, and what type of real estate they focus on. Are they experienced in situations like yours? Have they dealt with properties similar to yours? Reviews from past clients who aren’t friends or family can really shed light on their professionalism and success. (Click HERE for tips on how to research an agent.)
While your personal relationship might seem like an important qualification, if your agent doesn’t have the other key attributes you need, you’re not doing yourself any favors. A track record of actual results creates experience that is most valuable when it comes to protecting your interests. Rave reviews from previous clients (who are not relatives of the agent) confirms you will be treated like a valuable client.
A solid track record of successful transactions is super important! It usually means they can handle tricky situations. They can negotiate and keep your interests in mind.
Can They Be Impartial?
One key thing to consider when working with any Realtor is their ability to offer unbiased advice. The real estate world can involve many complex decisions, and emotions might run high. A great Realtor acts as your guiding light, providing clear direction and expertise. If you’re working with a friend or family member, they must set aside personal feelings and view your situation professionally.
Perhaps most important is the ability to assess your situation impartially to get the real advice you need to make the right decisions along each step of the path. A good Realtor® is like having your own personal trail guide—someone you can trust with your most pressing questions and biggest decisions, guiding you safely during your real estate move.
Navigating Today’s Real Estate Market
The real estate landscape has changed quite a bit recently, making it essential that your Realtor is adaptable and tech-savvy. They should advise on negotiations, pricing, and risk, especially in today’s fast, digital-first world. Make sure your potential agent has experience with the type of property and market conditions you’re facing.
In today’s digital first, fast paced and ever-changing real estate world, it is more important than ever for an agent to offer strategic advice, including risk avoidance and know how to optimize negotiations to benefit you.
Additionally, it is important that your agent is truly experienced in representing buyers and sellers. These quick articles have key tips for selecting the right person:
Key questions to ask before working with friends or family:
Consider these important questions as you weigh your options:
- Do I want to mix business with friendship or family?
- What if things don’t go well? Could it harm the relationship?
- What are their credentials and track record?
- If they weren’t family or friends, would you still hire them?
- What do their online reviews on Zillow or Facebook say about them?
- Am I comfortable with them knowing the details of my financial situation?
- Are they a new agent? If so, do I want them to practice on my life transition?
- How professional is their website and marketing presence?
- Are they full time, with a team to support them when they are sick or on vacation?
- Do they have a strong track record of negotiating deals and handling all the moving parts involved in a real estate transaction?
If any of these questions make you hesitate, you might want to explore other options or at least seek a second opinion.
What if They’re Not the Right Fit?
Often, your initial gut feeling is confirmed when you realize that a relative or friend is not a good fit for you.
If you feel that your friend or family member isn’t the best match for your needs, it’s absolutely okay to say so. The best approach is to be honest while also being kind. You could say you’ve found a top agent. Their background better matches your needs. Or you might express that you value your relationship too much to risk it over a real estate deal. Remember, it’s your right to choose what’s best for you. A true friend or caring family member will appreciate your decision and support you.
Choosing the right Realtor should be about what’s best for you and your real estate goals. If a friend or family member has the skills you seek, it could be a great match! If not, keep your personal and professional lives separate. It can help ensure a smooth transaction and preserve your relationship.
