Here's How You Can ROCK as a Real Estate Client
So, why should you care whether or not your realtor considers you a good client or not? Because the better client you are, the better your results will be. You don't have to be a match made in heaven, but effort on your part can go a long way to making sure you both have a positive transaction and the best results possible.
1. Be open to learn.
Yes, your friends, family and all the websites you've been to have tons of good information. But no one has more "boots-on-the-ground" perspective and experience about trends and your neighborhood than your realtor. Ask questions and try to absorb as much information as you can. I know, it's a lot to learn, but you'll be surprised how fast you become educated and think of more questions. Keep asking them! Most realtors are teachers at heart and want to share what they know.
2. Be easy to communicate with.
Ask your realtor for communication expectations and let them know whether you prefer phone calls, text messages or, emails. Be sure to let them know your "no-contact" time. They know you have a life going on throughout this. Keep in mind that if you say text is the best way, be sure to respond to them. They don't want to text you five times before getting a response. This will just frustrate everyone involved. This goes both ways, if your realtor is constantly hard to reach, you may want to consider switching to someone else.
3. Be as available as possible.
I mean, let's be real, you won't be expected to take off of work to see or show a home, but see what accommodations you can make to your schedule. And touching back on that communication thing, make sure you let your realtor know up front what days and times are a "no-show" for you. Having said that, it is critical in a hot market keep a flexible mindset to view homes at a moment's notice. If you're selling a home, keep in mind that after-work and weekend showings are highly likely, but hey, the more people that see your home, the better and higher price offers you'll get.
4. Be loyal
House purchases and sales don't just take your time and energy, they take your realtor's time and energy too. They want this to be successful just as much as you do. Before you start working with another realtor, set a meeting up and talk about your concerns. Give some feedback, and be open to theirs, as to why the process isn't going the way you wish.
If you keep all those things in mind when you start your new transaction, you'll be a client rock star in no time!
