11/16/2022
What sets a good agent apart from a great one is empathic ability, and while I’m not ashamed to admit that my intuitive connection with my clients helps me guide them to the closing table, it can be deeply challenging.
Home buying and selling is a huge decision – emotions run high, problems come up, and challenges inevitably come your way. It can sometimes be a stressful process, and most of the time, people don’t recognize that it can be just as stressful for the realtor, too.
Some setbacks can happen that are completely out of our control: You can lose your fifth bidding war because you need to ask for those closing costs. Problems can come up with your home’s title. The inspector might find black mold in the bathroom. You lost your job or got laid off. You decided to purchase a new car a few days before closing on your new home.
A realtor’s job is to make this process as easy as they possibly can for the client. But, sometimes, people take out their feelings and frustrations on the very person that’s trying to help them.
While an above and beyond agent will always make time for you, please consider that we are real people, with real lives of our own and multiple obligations.
Here are some tips to consider when building a relationship with your realtor:
1. Commit to working with one agent. A real estate agent devotes a considerable amount of time and money working to find your dream home. The last thing an agent wants is for you to be working with other realtors. Show your agent some common courtesy and loyalty by working exclusively with him/her.
2. Get preapproved for a mortgage FIRST. It can be a HUGE waste of everyone’s time (you, your agent, the selling agent and the home seller) to look at homes out of your price range. Show your realtor some respect by finding out what you can afford before you start your search. We get it: You’re just dabbling in the idea of owning a home. But, for realtors, time is potentially very big money, and we don’t get to cash in unless we invest.
3. Keep the lines of communication open by being honest with your agent. Your agent wants to work with you and can help you find a solution if you’re truthful. The more honest you are with your realtor, the more your realtor can help you. While the process can be uncomfortable, just remember that you are the customer and your agent is working for you. If your realtor is good at their job they will respond to your concerns and your relationship will improve once your on the same page. For homebuyers who are unsatisfied with their agent: be upfront; let your agent know why it’s not working out and give him or her a chance to change their behavior. If things don’t turn around, fire them.
4. Understand that your agent has other clients and prospective clients they're working with. They ought to be available to help you within a reasonable amount of time, but you should realize you can't always be at the top of their to-do list.
5. Time is valuable for agents, so please keep track of any appointments you make with yours. And if you are stuck in traffic or running late for some other reason, call your agent to give them an idea of when you expect to arrive.
6. The best thing you can do before working with a real estate agent is to determine what you want out of your new home. This means calculating how much house you can afford, what area you want to live in, and what home necessities that you must have. Stating these goals and explaining which parts you are flexible on can help your Realtor narrow down their listings to find a few ideal matches. This way you won’t have to look all across town at houses that aren’t right for you.
7. When you’re looking for a house and find a place that looks like it could be The One, it can be tempting to jump the gun and call the listing agent immediately. But stop right there. You should ask your own buyer’s agent to reach out to the listing agent, who will, in turn, let the home sellers know of your interest. We know it sounds like a long game of telephone, but it’s necessary for a number of reasons.
If you hire a real estate agent, you're agreeing to let them handle the process of buying or selling your home. So, if you spot a "for sale" sign and want to know more or see the property, you don't need to call the number on the sign to get information. That's why you have hired an agent. It's important not to go around your agent once you have made this agreement.
If you're unsatisfied with your agent's work, and have already stressed your concerns, that’s a different story.
8. Don’t pretend that you’re ready to buy if you aren’t. Don’t enlist the services of a buyer’s agent if you know you’re still in the fact-finding and “just looking” phase of your home search. Instead, Go to open houses, Window shop and be upfront with everyone about where you are in the process.
To read stories of what realtors go through when boundaries are not set, click link below 👇🏼
https://theclose.com/real-estate-nightmares/
When searching for your home, keep in mind your relationship with your agent is a two way street, and of the utmost importance.
As an above and beyond agent, I’m here to coach you through some very stressful and vulnerable moments, crushing disappointments, and one of the happiest days of your life. My goal is to make the home buying experience as smooth as possible and get to the finish line no matter what lies ahead.
Ready to start your home search? Give me a call!
Ashley Soileau
REALTOR®
C: 337.522.5557 O: 337.267.4102
E: [email protected]
Website: ashleybsoileau.latter-blum.com
