Take a deep breath. I’m not talking about anything covert or shady. But I’d like to talk about a few of the things that you should expect from a really great realtor because what she is doing when you’re not looking makes all the difference in a successful real estate transaction.
Would you like a few examples?
THERE’S A WHOLE LOT OF PREPARATION GOING ON!
A great realtor doesn’t just “happen.” A great realtor masters her craft, analyzing market trends, continuing education classes and taking courses for additional certifications. While you’re not looking, she is on tour, visiting available homes that might be suitable for a client. She is busy cultivating relationships with tradespeople including stagers, contractors and landscapers to create a little black book of trusted professionals.
That’s what it takes for a realtor to be ready for your phone call!
AND THEN SHE PLANS. AND PLANS. AND PLANS!
When you aren’t looking, your realtor is jotting down lists, checking them twice and potentially creating more lists! If you are listing a home, your realtor's planning begins long before a listing appointment. She will have done her homework with a CMA, researching homes available and recent sold homes in your neighborhood. She will have a market plan specifically tailored to your home.
And then, when you’re not looking, a great realtor executes the plan!
AND THEN COMES THE FOLLOW-UP
A great realtor needs to love phone calls, texting and email because follow-up is crucial in both the buying and selling process. Feedback from a listing is critical for helping Sellers make adjustments to sales price, execute staging details or to have the knowledge needed to pivot in a changing market.
Experience matters.
NEGOTIATION IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART
When you’re not looking, your realtor is in contact with other agents regarding potential offers, then analyzing every term and contingency to help you end up in the best position possible. Your agent will negotiate the best deal for YOU, not the loan officers, not the buyers, and certainly not for themselves. An agent with integrity matters.
AND FINALLY, SHE NEVER SLEEPS ON A TRANSACTION
Transactions don’t just close themselves. While you’re not looking, your realtor works tirelessly with the other agent, lenders, inspectors, transaction coordinators, contractors and others to assure that everything is in order for a smooth close.
Of course issues can come up. A great realtor can often foresee the issues and in many cases, the client doesn’t even know that there was a hitch in the transaction. And if the deal does get a little dicey, she is there to counsel you all the way.
FINALLY