10 STEPS ON HOW TO FIND THE BEST REALTOR IN FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA

Choosing a home to buy is generally considered to be one of the most important life decisions that one can make. Hence, it is essential to find a good realtor who can help with this process. Follow the ten steps below to find the best realtor in Fountain Valley, CA!

1.       Decide on a type of realtor

There are different types of realtors. There are conventional relators, buyers’ brokers, dual agents, and e-brokers. Conventional realtors are people who actually are considered to legally work for the seller of the house, and make their commission from the buying price of the house. Their interests would be to get a house sold quickly and for the highest amount possible, as this affects their commission.  A buyer’s broker is a realtor who will have to be paid by the buyer. However, they work for the buyer, and they will hold the interests of the buyer to a higher pedestal. Dual agents can act as both a conventional realtor and a buyer’s realtor. They represent both the buyer and seller in the sale of a house. E-brokers work via online, and generally do not have an office. They contact the local agents of houses you want to visit. The benefit of using this type of realtor is that they generally charge less commission than conventional realtors.  

2.       Figure out Financials

Before starting your home search, talk to a lender to see how much you can afford. Getting pre-approval for a loan can give you an idea on what price range of homes to search for.

3.       Ask Your Network

One of the best ways to find professionals is to ask friends and family for recommendations. They may be able to provide you with the contact information of a realtor they had a good experience with, or they could give you information of someone who might be able to recommend a realtor.

4.       Think Local

Preferably, the realtor you choose should be familiar with houses in Fountain Valley, CA. They should be able to provide general information such as about the school system, the community, and taxes in the area.   

5.       Check Credentials

As with most jobs, experience plays a humongous role when deciding which realtor to choose. You should ask any potential realtors when they got their license and how long they have been practicing.

6.       Interview Realtors

Once you have narrowed down a list of potential candidates, go ahead and set up interviews with them. This way you can gauge their interpersonal and communication skills. You can also get an idea of how familiar they are with properties and transactions.

7.       Ask for References

When you are talking to potential realtor candidates, ask them to provide references. Call up these references. You can ask specifically for references who were past clients of the realtor. Talking to them can help you understand how this real estate agent works and negotiates.

8.       Trust Your Intuition

If you are having trouble choosing between candidates, listen to your gut. What it all comes down to is having an agent whom you can trust and who makes you feel comfortable.

9.       Communicate Expectations

It is necessary to communicate what you expect from an agent for them to be the best realtor for you. Some things to discuss include how you will be supplied with current listings, how many houses you will visit in a week, and the best method and timings for contact.  

10.   Check Your Contract

Once you have decided on a realtor, they will form a contract for you to sign. Go through it, and make sure that the information in it matches what you and your agent discussed. Some things to keep an eye out for are the length of the contract and the commission.

Finding the right realtor for you may seem overwhelming, but following these ten steps should help you figure out the best realtor for you! Happy house-hunting!