Alright - it’s time to buy a home! You’re a first time home buyer. You’ve got your down payment, checked out a few homes, and now you’re looking for a realtor.

Does it matter which one? How do you pick? Do you interview them? How does this all work?

Most first time buyers don’t think much about their choice in realtor. They’re just excited to secure their own little piece of Denver! But choosing the right one can make a huge difference in making the experience enjoyable and efficient.

Our team has put together a list of some tips and tricks on finding an agent that understands your needs and can help you navigate the homebuying process.

1. Look for reviews.

Just as restaurants and shops have a presence on review sites like Yelp or Google, realtors receive reviews from past clients. Be diligent and do a thorough search to see how their past clients felt about the experience. Don’t be afraid to reach out to past clients where possible, and ask for an honest opinion of the realtor.

2. Experience, experience, experience.

Look for realtors that have demonstrated experience in buying/selling in the local area. If you find a ‘greener’ agent, there’s a good chance they’re part of a larger, more established team that would be able to assist and provide additional value to you.

A realtor’s site or social profiles may indicate if the Realtor has received any awards. You can also contact the state’s governing body to check for licensure and disciplinary actions.

3. Review their current listings.

Does the Realtor work with comparable properties to the one you’re selling or looking to buy? Do they have similar values? Do they work with properties in your area? Do they have enough listings to indicate a healthy business?

You can often find this information on Realtor.com, the Realtor’s site, or their social profiles.

For example, you can find ours in our Instagram highlights here.

Of course, there’s more to picking an agent that simply looking at their experience. Gauge how well you interact with the Realtor. When you’re house hunting for that perfect family home in Highlands Ranch or historic B&B in Littleton, you’ll want a Realtor that you really jive well with.

And to solidify your choice, you want to avoid the Realtor if they:

• suggest the highest price for your home

• do real estate part time ‘on the side’

• charge a commission less than 5-7%

• are poor negotiators
  

These are red flags in the real estate industry that indicate the Realtor may not be serious about their trade, and therefore may not be the best choice.

Thinking about buying a house in Denver? One Home Colorado would love to chat with you and discuss your dream home! Email us at: onehomecolorado@gmail.com.