Choosing Wisely: The Hows and Whys of Using an Experienced Realtor

Real Estate is a great business to be in – I think so highly of it that my husband and I run a Real Estate school helping people get into the industry. And, a lot of people agree with me; there are literally THOUSANDS of Real Estate Agents serving Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.

Which one should you pick to help you?

Well, when you’re diving into the world of buying or selling a home, having a trustworthy and savvy realtor can truly make a world of difference. It’s not just about finding someone who can open the door to a house you found on Zillow. What really matters is having a Realtor who knows their stuff, especially when it comes to navigating the twists and turns of real estate deals – that’s the game-changer.

It’s not just about finding someone who can open the door to a house you found on Zillow

Real estate transactions can be jammed up like traffic at Joyce and 71B, full of legal, financial, and logistical twists and turns. Without a seasoned realtor by your side who knows the ins and outs of the industry, you might end up dealing with unnecessary headaches and complications. Ever deal with a squatter? I have. What about encroaching fences or septic tanks? Yep, I’ve handled several of those, too. These are just a few examples of challenges experienced Realtors are able to overcome, and which inexperienced Agents would have some trouble.

When checking out a Realtor’s experience, one key thing to look at is how many transactions they handle regularly. The more deals a Realtor has been through, the more likely they’ve faced different challenges and scenarios. This experience gives them a keen understanding of the market, helping them spot opportunities, steer clear of potential problems, and offer you some valuable insights.

But experience isn’t just about the number of transactions. A seasoned Realtor has likely dealt with all kinds of properties, from starter homes to fancy estates, and understands the unique quirks of each market segment. They’ve been around the block, and their experience means they can handle even the trickiest transactions with ease.

Experience means they can handle even the trickiest transactions with ease

It’s important to note here that even new Realtors can have access to this type of experience. I’ve talked before about the value of choosing a local brokerage, and one of the reasons for this is the access Agents at these kinds of Brokerages have to their Brokers. It’s not uncommon for Big-Corporate-Franken-Brokerages to charge their Agents an hourly rate to even speak to the experienced Brokers in their offices. Most local brokerages like Chuck Fawcett Realty don’t do business that way and our Agents are, in turn, able to tap into all of their Brokers’ experience (260+ years at CFR!) as well.

Now, how do you figure out if a Realtor has enough experience to really help you out? Start by asking about their track record and how many transactions they usually handle in a given period. For reference, I personally handle 30 to 40 deals per year for my clients (Top 10%), and I oversee another 75 to 100 per year for the BEYOND Collaborative. A reliable Realtor won’t shy away from sharing this info – they’re proud of their experience and the value it brings to their clients.

ask about their track record and how many transactions they usually handle in a given period

And, don’t forget to check out online reviews of any Realtor you’re considering using. This can be tricky because there’s no way to make sure reviews are from actual clients, so check for words and phrases that talk about specific situations and challenges. Try to find real scenarios instead of just counting how many times you come across “So-and-so is THE BEST.”  Reading about real clients’ experiences with the Realtor can give you some great insights into their expertise, professionalism, and ability to handle tough situations.

In the end, having an experienced Realtor on your team is crucial for achieving your goals. Their know-how, expertise, and history of closing deals are what set them apart. So, before you dive into your next real estate adventure, check out my reviews on my website, or on my Zillow profile, then get in touch so we can talk about the wisest way to accomplish your goals!