How to become your realtor’s favorite client

       Every realtor loves an educated, flexible, and honest client, and we’re here to tell you how to do just that. After reading our post, you’ll know how to exceed expectations and become your realtor’s favorite client! From the outside, most people think real estate professionals spend their time and energy focusing on houses – but most of our time is spent having conversations (and working through challenges) with people. With residential transactions it’s not the houses good realtors focus on, it’s the folks who live in them. There are simple habits you can create to foster a better relationship between you and your realtor. 

       First, we’ll talk about honesty and openness. ‘Buyers are liars’ is a joke shared between real estate agents, and unfortunately, there is some truth to it. We’re not here to judge you; we’re here to help you. Discussing your finances, moving situation, ideal living space, current employment status, or familial circumstances openly can pave the way for your realtor to find you the best home for your individual needs. If one of those needs isn’t disclosed, how could you possibly end up in the right home? Expectations for your living situation is only a portion of the initial discussion. You’ll also want to clarify expectations of each other. How often do you expect them to be available and at what times of the day? Have you or anyone you know had a negative experience; if so what happened? What would you want your current realtor to do differently? You may not realize that a past negative occurrence can affect your outlook on buying or selling with anyone. Next, discuss what your realtor can expect of you. Who is going to be involved in making the final decision as to whether you buy a home? How much does your significant other or family need to be involved in making this decision? Most realtors won’t tell you this: every single person who is involved with making the decision to make an offer needs to be present at the showing. This isn’t a requirement, but it isn’t in anybody’s best interest to skip out on that first showing. In today’s market, homes are selling faster than we can keep up with, so while you think you have time to see the property again, even waiting an extra day to have your family approve the home can result in you losing it. Do you have an uncle who is in construction who wants to see your house before you settle? Overprotective parents who are concerned with the safety of the area? Schedule your showings during a time that’s convenient for everyone involved. Your realtor will pull their own hair out if you say, “I want to make an offer but my sister wants to see it first. Can we meet tonight so they can see it too?”  

       It’s also important to respect your realtor’s time. Many people assume that realtors are like pop tarts and can pop up at a house within 15 minutes of a phone call. Productive agents typically follow a very strict schedule and some even calculate their availability in as small as 15 minute increments. There are certain times of the day when they are available to communicate, show houses, or prospect. You will feel reassured knowing when your realtor works best. Also disclose if you prefer to be contacted through phone call, text, or email. Most realtors email their clients, but can always follow up with a phone call or text if that’s what you prefer. Clarifying everyone’s availability will foster better communication between you and your realtor. Need to reach your realtor outside of their disclosed availability? Send an email (not a text) to your agent if you need to get a thought or question out of your head. You should always ask questions when you have them, but there are ways to respect your agent’s time and also get what you need. Putting your concerns in writing can help you to fully think through an issue and it will be easier on your realtor to give a detailed response through email. Along with your realtor’s time, you need to respect all parties’ availability. Keep in mind that every other professional involved in your transaction (lender, title insurance company, home inspector, administrative staff, appraisers, etc.) typically works during business hours only. That doesn’t mean that only you can’t contact those parties; it also means your realtor cannot contact those parties outside of normal business hours. We don’t have magic powers that can force someone to work to get us what we need faster. A way to avoid this is by being efficient with what your realtor, lender, and title company asks of you to ensure less last-minute items before settlement. 

       Doing your due diligence as a real estate client is a responsibility you want to take on, and can help you not reach out to your realtor in a panic every time you have a question. If you review transaction documents with your realtor before/while signing, you will have a much better idea on how to answer the following, and most commonly asked questions:

1. “How does the home inspection time period work?”
2. “When is my deposit due again?”
3. “Who pays for repairs if something happens to the house while I am under contract?”
4. “What happens if the house doesn’t appraise at value?”
5. “What happens to my deposit if I need to back out of the transaction?”

       All of this and more are outlined in the purchase agreement and/or any other addendum you may sign. You’ll definitely impress your realtor if you know the contents of the contract.

Lastly, we’ll sum up what’s left of what you shouldn’t be doing before or during your transaction with your realtor. We discussed it in our ‘How to make buying a home (mostly) stress-free’ post a few weeks ago, and will say it here as well. Do not buy a car, furniture, an expensive handbag, or anything else that requires your credit to be pulled. We’ve seen clients make all three of these mistakes. Do not transfer large amounts of money to or from bank accounts you don’t use often and do not apply for any lines of credit other than your mortgage. You also want to avoid spending excess money on credit cards. Each of these don’ts can affect your credit score and the loan you’re using to purchase the home. Tell your realtor right away of anything at all that can affect the transaction, especially if it’s financial. You may not think it’s a big deal, but your realtor will know for sure if any next steps should be taken. We also use the phrase ‘trust, but verify’, meaning to never ever assume and always ask your realtor or consult your contract documents. As you approach your closing date, stay accessible in case your realtor or lender needs you to address something. The closer you get to the closing table, the more likely a last-minute item will appear and need to be addressed prior to settlement. 

       We’re in a relationship-based industry, so realtors often won’t disclose their preferences on how you can be the best client. They’ll politely smile and say you were awesome! Thankfully you read our article so you can go above & beyond and impress your realtor with your openness, availability, and respect for them.