The following tips to help you select a Realtor work wheather you are looking for a Realtor in Charlotte, NC or Tega Cay, SC.

Here are a list of questions you should consider when looking for your Realtor.

  1. Is your Realtor a full-time, professional Realtor?  You want someone who is dedicated to the profession and to serving you.  Who understands all the legal ramifications of the hundreds of decisions you will have to make.
  2. How long have they worked full-time?  Longevity can be an indication of level of knowledge.  Longevity also indicates some level of success in the business.
  3. Do they specialize in one area or do they have a depth and breath of knowledge of the entire region?  Specialization in one area can be good, but are you going to have to have one Realtor for earch area.  I want the generalist who knows how to find the information I need to buy a home in the Charlotte, NC real estate area.
  4. Are they technology smart?  Do they have their own website?  Do they have a lots of information and content about real estate in the Charlotte, NC area?  What you really want to know…can they find the information you want to know and will they communicate that information to me in a timely manner?
  5. Do they have search programs for the Charlotte, NC area that I can utilize on my own time?  Can they build a search program based on my wants, needs, and desires that will email me the information? 
  6. How will they communicate with you?  Look for a Realtor that has mulitple ways to communicate with you such as email, office phone, cellular phone, fax, and an 800 number.  Do not hesitate to ask about timeliness in communications.
  7. Will you show me properties from other companies’ listings? 
  8. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you also represent the seller?  Ask your agent to explain agency law and have him or her review listing agent, buyer agent, and dual agency in detail.  Did your Realtor mention or give a copy of the Working with Real Estate Agents as required by both North and South Carolina Real Estate Commissions?
  9. How are your fees structured?  Who pays your commission?
  10. What is your negotiating style? 
  11. What distinguieshes you from other Realtors?  What Realtor designations do you have?  Do you instruct in your office? at the Board of Realtors?  other offices?
  12. Do you have a service performance guarantee?
  13. Finally, may I contact some of your recent clients as references?

Do not be afraid to ask the above questions.  Listen to their answers.  Do your homework before you sign up with a Realtor.

Respectfully,

Rufus Hutchinson

NC and SC Realtor, NC and SC Broker

Serving Buyers and Sellers in the Charlotte, NC real estate area