Choosing a realtor is an important decision. When you’re buying or selling a high-ticket item like your home, you want a knowledgeable and experienced realtor in your corner. Avoid these five common mistakes when choosing a realtor.

They Sell Homes Part-Time

Realtors who sell part-time may not be bad realtors, but they may have other distractions and demands for their time. Choose a realtor who focuses solely on real estate as the bulk of their business. This shows they’re dedicated to knowing the local market and committed to selling your home or getting you into your next home.

They Aren’t Familiar With Your Neighborhood

Real estate agents who work in your neighborhood and know your market are some of the best allies. On the other hand, realtors who are new to your area could do more harm than good. Choose an experienced local agent who is familiar with your neighborhood and the value of homes. Their experience can help your home sell faster and for a better price because of their knowledge of your neighborhood.

They Can’t Keep Up With The Details

Good realtors are consistently on their game and keep up with important details. Allowing details to slip through the cracks could mean a sale falls through and you’re left waiting on the next offer. Choose a real estate agent who is on it and able to juggle the many important aspects of a home sale. A realtor who is quick on their feet and able to handle the task is worth every penny.

They Charge A Low Commission

The rate of a realtor’s service speaks for itself. Don’t let yourself jump at the first sight of a low offer. You get what you pay for and this rings true when selecting a real estate agent. Avoid the agent who offers the lowest commission to escape unnecessary headaches. A qualified real estate agent is worth their weight in gold and charges a fair rate for experience and service. Don’t let price alone be your determining factor.

They Can’t Negotiate a Sale

Keeping up with the details is important, but the biggest challenge can be negotiating a sale. Both parties should feel like they’re winning and an expert realtor will negotiate on your behalf while knowing where to bend to make a sale. Choose an experienced negotiator with a track record of buying and selling homes in your area. When there’s a deal on the table, you want talent and experience to negotiate a close.

Real estate transactions are hard enough, avoid one more by carefully choosing your Realtor. Samantha Merritt is a licensed Realtor with Connie Mahan Real Estate Group. She has earned her Pricing Strategy Advisor Certification through the National Association of Realtors, giving her an edge when helping buyers and sellers at the negotiation table. Contact Samantha to help you buy or sell your home at 352-457-7443.