The 5 Ls of Exceptional Realtors®: What to Look For in Vetting Your Agent
If you’re in the market for a new (or vetting a previous) Realtor®, you might be wondering how to tell the seasoned professionals apart from the part-time hobbyists. Sure, there are many licensed agents in your market, but it is crucial to choose one who will support you in reaching your goals, educate you about the real estate market, and build a long-lasting professional relationship with you along the way.
We know searching for a Realtor® can be tricky. The good news? When you choose the right representation, you should only have to do it once.
To simplify this process and guide you in your search, we created the 5 Ls of Exceptional Realtors®:
Exceptional Realtors® are Local Enthusiasts
They know the market you’re interested in both personally and professionally.
As the real estate industry continues to grow, more and more people will become licensed agents in your area. Before you choose just anyone with the bare minimum accreditation through, make sure they know the market from both a personal and professional standpoint. The most helpful agents have owned property in the same market you’re most interested in or have routinely guiding buyers and sellers in that area. This way they can provide insights on both market data and community values in your area.
Exceptional Realtors® have Longevity
They are well-seasoned in the business of closing deals and building relationships.
Simply put, this isn’t their first rodeo. Don’t get us wrong, we are all for giving new Realtors® opportunities to learn and advance in their career, but we also believe that learning shouldn’t come at the expense of a client. That’s why all of our new Realtors® are paired with and mentored by an experienced agent, so both the new Realtor® and client are fully supported. You can try to gauge by looking at how long they have been licensed and active in the industry or ask them about their previous transactions. An exceptional Realtor® is supported and actively being mentored by an experienced Broker® at a reputable company. (Hot tip: ask to meet your agent in their office. Experienced agents will have a desk, have cooperating Realtor® support, and should introduce you to their broker.)
Exceptional Realtors® are Level-headed
They work well under pressure and can guide you through any transaction.
There are a lot of moving parts in a real estate transaction, so it is important to find someone who is confident in their negotiations and will serve as your advocate. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again—the buying and selling process doesn’t need to be stressful or complicated. We believe that complexity can be managed, and a great Realtor® will be committed to doing just that.
Exceptional Realtors® are Great Listeners
They are committed to understanding your wants, needs, and goals to better serve you.
Choose a Realtor® that will go the extra mile to understand your goals. Experienced agents know that one size does not fit all when it comes to guiding someone through the next step of their real estate journey, and they should be able to address your concerns, respect your wishes, and provide expert advice along the way. At Blakemore, we’re all about continued education and it shows in our exclusive monthly mailers and client guides covering everything from FHA Appraisals to building equity, to buyer/seller packets, and beyond!
Exceptional Realtors® are Leaders
They always act with integrity, and never shy away from a challenge.
We believe great leaders empower others, act with integrity and take ownership in everything they do—and great Realtors® follow suit. They know how to bring out the best in people, inspire action around a goal, and most importantly when they see a problem, they’ll solve it without you even having to ask!
IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE…
We asked our Park City expert Realtor® Hank what qualities he believes every legendary Realtor® should possess, and here’s what he said:
“My definition of a legendary Realtor® is someone who achieves the impossible on a daily basis while being extremely good at what he/she does all while being highly respected by their peers while still inspiring others. Few Realtors® should be coined Legendary. What makes them legendary isn’t what they have accomplished in numbers or sales it’s what can’t be seen by their clients, friends, family, and peers. A legendary Realtor® sacrifices their needs and their time to help people, not for recognition but because it’s the right thing to do and helping the world become a better place one house and one community at a time — ultimate legendary Realtor® motto.”
Now that you know what to look for in your next Realtor®, make sure you know what to ask in that first conversation with a potential agent.
10 Questions to Ask Your Realtor®
To keep your agent interviews on track, we’ve created a Realtor® questionnaire! Download our questionnaire for FREE today, (no gimmicks or subscriptions required) to ensure your search for the right Realtor® is easy and effective.
