Forbes Real Estate Council’s Realtor Recommendations

Blog posted On August 08, 2019

Choosing the right Realtor or real estate agent will greatly influence how your home purchase goes.  Your Realtor or real estate agent will connect you with the right listings in your community and be your number one advocate when it’s time to make an offer.  Forbes polled leading real estate executives from its Forbes Real Estate Council and found these top five things to look for when choosing a Realtor or real estate agent.

Relevant Experience

They might be one of the best agents in your city, but if you’re moving somewhere else or looking at a property they don’t typically work with, they may not be the best choice.  Look for an agent that has relevant experience.  If you’re buying a starter home, find someone who helps first-time home buyers in your area.  If you’re getting started with real estate investing, work with someone who has experience with investment properties.  

Good Reviews

There’s a reason this is a referral-based business!  Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you will make in a lifetime.  Ask for a recommendation. When you’ve gotten a recommendation, read online reviews.  Good reviews matter.  If they have a bad or questionable review, you can spot these red flags in advance.

Responsive Communication

In a competitive housing market, timing is everything.  You need an agent who will keep in touch and respond to you when you need them.  Good agents know this can mean nights and weekends.  A good agent is responsive to your needs and will follow up with you in a timely fashion.  

Greater Economic Knowledge

The housing market is influenced by the greater economy.  A good agent is not only intimately familiar with your local market, they are also aware of national and global economic forces that may influence your purchase down the lines.  Are rates trending upward or downward?  Should you buy now or wait a couple of months?  The right agent understands the full picture to help you achieve short and long-term financial goals.

Local Connections

A good Realtor or real estate agent has an established network in your area.  Even if they aren’t personally acquainted with the listing agent, they may have worked with them or one of their colleagues in the past.  A well-connected agent with neighborhood knowledge can help you navigate the home purchase process and may even give you an advantage when you’re making an offer.

Buying a home is a big step. The right Realtor or real estate agent makes that step a little easier. 

Sources: Forbes