How to find a good Realtor in the Barrington, IL area

So you have decided it is time to partner with a Realtor, to achieve your real estate needs. Whether you are buying or selling a home, there are many things to consider when making this important decision.

An experienced Realtor:

-Offers solutions based on previous results -Anticipates problems before they occur -Enjoys solid reputations with other agents -Has practiced strong negotiation techniques -Refers time-tested vendors such as mortgage lenders, title companies, home inspectors, appraisers, general contractors, pest inspectors -Understands the complexities of changing real estate markets -Provides statistics and crucial market data to clients -Professionally guides clients to smooth closings

The best place to start asking about Realtors is your family and friends. Other good sources of referrals include open houses, home construction vendors, builders, local advertising and your local Chamber of Commerce. When asking for referrals, be sure to ask about the experience the referral had with the Realtor and what the results were. Also, determine if the Realtor specializes in residential or commercial.

Some good questions to ask the referrals:

Were you happy with the services provided by the Realtor?

Everybody has their own ideas of service, so you listen carefully and determine if there is anything you may address with the Realtor, directly, once you meet. Pay attention to how attentive the Realtor was, how punctual and respectful of their customers time. Did the Realtor keep the client informed, up-to-date and were they motivated and enthusiastic?

Was the Realtor?

-Organized -A good time manager -Communicate effectively -Use technology to your benefit -Have the patience to handle conflict resolutions -Exhibit marketing expertise -Maintain a local presence thru self promotion -Have a friendly and helpful personality

Were they professional, courteous and polite at all times?

This is a very important consideration. The entire experience, from beginning to end, needs to be as stress free as possible. Plus if the Realtor enjoys their job, the quality and attention to details will be better. The clients attitude can and will affect the entire real estate transaction. Hopefully this will be the first question you ask. If the answer to this question is no then do not go any further, you don't want to work with that person.

Ask Questions

Most of us sell only a small number of homes in our lifetimes. With limited experience in real estate how are we to be capable of maximizing the profits from our home sale? Many home sellers make the critical mistake of thinking all Realtors are the same. They list with the first agent who comes along. Does it make good business sense to put the responsibility of selling your home with someone who has no plan or qualifications?

Education and get answers to protect yourself and one of the biggest decisions in life you can make....buying or selling a home.