We’re all Midwesterners here at Action Realty of Detroit Lakes. Above all else, that means we are humble. We don’t think our job is more important than that of a police officer, firefighter, or member of the U.S. Armed Forces. We don’t claim to have as much education or training as a doctor or engineer. We doubt anyone would want to watch a TV show about us, although we do welcome Bravo to reach out if they’re casting Real Realtors of Detroit Lakes.
All of that said, choosing the right Realtor is extremely important. You don’t want a Realtor who’s barely qualified to search the Multiple Listing Service and draft purchase agreements. You want one who can and will protect your best interests. A true representative, who will show you listings others might have overlooked – or do the legwork to find multiple motivated and qualified buyers. A confidante, whom you can trust to make your upcoming real estate transaction as stress-free as enjoyable as possible!
How do you find such a Realtor? Well, if you’re buying or selling a lakefront home, commercial property, farm or other piece of real estate in the greater Detroit Lakes area, then we dare say you already have. But if you’re not blessed to look forward to a real estate transaction in our beautiful neck of the woods, then your search for a Realtor continues.
Don’t fret. Determining whether a Realtor is worthy of your trust isn’t that difficult. All you have to do is ask a candidate the right questions. Here are the five most important ones you can pose!
1. How Long Have You Been a Realtor?
We’re not trying to disparage Realtors who are only just getting their start. But like anything else in life, experience matters. You don’t want a Realtor who’s still getting the hang of things and making rookie mistakes. You want one who’s deeply entrenched in the geographic area they specialize in, and who has already developed an extensive network of sellers and buyers – as well as title agents, mortgage agents, home inspectors, and other professionals who make transactions go seamlessly.
2. How Many Transactions Are You Part of Each Year?
It’s perfectly possible for a Realtor to have worked for several decades and only have a handful of closings to show for it. Now, theoretically, a Realtor could sell one home a year and do quite well for themself – but only if they specialize in a market like Beverly Hills or Tuxedo, NY. For reference, the average Realtor is party to 12 residential transactions per year. Any Realtor who does more than that is above average!
3. Do You Work Full- or Part-Time?
We don’t have to expound too much on the importance of hiring a full-time Realtor. You want an agent who lives and breathes real estate – not one whose heart isn’t truly in it. Only a specialist can devote 100 percent of their time and attention to your upcoming transaction. It deserves no less!
4. What Ratio of Buyers to Sellers Do You Represent?
It’s not uncommon for Realtors to specialize in sitting on one side of the closing table. We say more power to an agent who primarily represents buyers or sellers. It means they’ve figured out how they can create the greatest value, and dedicated themself to it. That said, if you’re selling a home, and discover that a potential Realtor spends the vast majority of their time representing buyers, then they may not possess the resources and skills you need to achieve the best outcome at closing.
5. May I Have Your References?
A successful Realtor should have a mile-long list of satisfied clients. An unsuccessful one may refer you to their sister-in-law, and even she might only offer a lukewarm review if she’s being truly honest. We think you understand what we’re getting at here. A great Realtor will enthusiastically refer you to their myriad satisfied customers, and look forward to making you one of them!
Whether you’re looking for a brilliant summer lakehouse – or a full-time residence, where you can do your best summer and winter living – then we welcome you to contact Action Realty of Detroit Lakes today. Our Realtors are standing by to show you why experience and enthusiasm make all the difference!