Some (mostly me) say that questing for the perfect realtor and hunting for your soulmate is one and the same. Some also say (again, mostly just me) that if you have a habit of making regrettable decisions in love, then you’ll make poor choices when selecting a realtor. With over 2200 realtors in the London-St. Thomas area, is this a decision you want to bollix up?
QUESTIONS
Luckily for you I have prepared 9 questions to help probe a potential realtor and soothe that decision-making process.
1. “WHY DID YOU GET INTO REAL ESTATE?” (PASSION IS SEXY)
Every realtor claims they’re passionate, but what does that even mean? I’d estimate that 80% of realtors are unsure why they’ve even entered the industry.
For example,
1. Are they fully dedicated to the real estate industry, or are they squeezing you in as a side-hustle?
2. Do they put time and effort into their business (dress professionally, have a creative presence, continue with education, etc.), or coast through doing the bare minimum?
3. Do they love sales? Truly love homes and architecture? Love the city they work in?
Pay attention to the details because actions do speak louder than words. Find someone who truly gives a ship, because this is a realtor you want in your corner.
2. “HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER REALTORS?” (BONUS SKILLZ)
Find a realtor that will enhance your real estate game beyond their basic duties. What practical skills does your realtor bring to the table?
For example,
• I am a licensed electrician with construction knowledge. This is helpful in today’s sellers market where inspection conditions are almost obsolete. I am also available for clients who need electrical work done (good luck getting a contractor for something small, like trouble-shooting a GFCI receptacle).
• I have extensive business, customer service, and negotiation experience from working in the banking industry, and building/selling a successful company.
• I have continued my education beyond the basic Sales Representative to become a licensed Broker.
• Also, with my international level, Speedo-wearing, competitive swimming background, I could dive into a pool and save you from drowning (please do not fall into a pool during a showing, ladies).
3. “ARE YOU RESPONSIVE?” (AVAILABILITY)
It’s nutty to think this would even be a question, but is your realtor available 24/7 or are they unavailable most weeknights, weekends and holidays? Today’s market is fast moving, so if there is no sense of urgency to respond with texts or phone calls (within reason), you will certainly miss out on home buying opportunities.
4. “ARE YOU FROM OUT OF TOWN?” (KEEP IT LOCAL)
Chances are if your realtor isn’t local, they’ll have a lack of knowledge of the area and their priority will lie with clients close to home. Make sure they’re within a 100km drive of where you want to buy or sell. Avoid overpaying and underselling; choose local, or have your realtor refer you to someone local.
5. “DOES THE CARPET MATCH THE DRAPES?” (CATFISHED)
Does your realtor look like a supermodel on social media and billboards, only to look completely underwhelming in real life? If you can’t recognize your realtor from their advertising photos, what else are they dishonest about?
6. “ARE YOU REALLY A TOP PRODUCER?” (SMOKE AND MIRRORS)
Some realtors bend the truth on social media to create an illusion of being busy and successful.
For example,
• Sharing fake testimonials
• Posting other realtors’ listings as their own
• Promoting fictitious awards
• Purchasing thousands of fake bot followers
• Purchasing ‘verified badges’
Make sure your realtor’s stories line up and they’re honest about their business.
7. “ARE YOU FLIRTING WITH ME?” (SEX SELLS)
Do you have your infatuation goggles on? If you’re working with a realtor in the hopes of getting laid, you may want to rethink your strategy. Make sure there is some value and substance behind your realtor’s sexy appearance.
8. “DO YOU OWN REAL ESTATE?” (LEADING BY EXAMPLE)
Your realtor should own a home (at the very least), if not multiple investment properties. How can you trust a realtor who won’t put their money where their mouth is and own real estate? It’s like taking swimming lessons from a coach who can’t swim.
9. “FRIENDS OR SEINFELD?” (IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW)
The world is split into three types of realtors:
1. Realtors that love Friends
2. Realtors that love Seinfeld
3. Realtors too young to know what I am even talking about
It is imperative that you and your realtor favour the same television show, because this is the ultimate sign of commonality. If you haven’t watched either of these classic comedies, then I suggest you settle in for a sitcom marathon; it’ll save you thousands of dollars!
THE SEASON IS UPON US
…Real estate season, that is. With 2022 just around the corner and the real estate market getting hot and heavy (hey, if you thought 2021 was lubricious, wait until you see 2022), you’ll want to lose all inhibitions and make a move. Take these 9 questions and use them at your disposal; I guarantee they’ll land you the perfect realtor!
Do my article pheromones trigger your hormonal senses? I’m just an irresistible click away.