When it comes to buying or selling a house in Tampa, you will need to make a solid plan. There are a few options you can choose for how you would like to go about it.
For starters, would you like to work by yourself or would you like to hire help? You will need to research the pros and cons and decide carefully which choice may be right for you.
If you’d like help to make the process easier and less worrisome, hiring a Realtor is a fantastic idea. Realtors not only have experience in the local real estate market, but they also have more resources and training, which can be vital when it comes to a quick successful sale.
However, choosing a Realtor can be tricky when there are so many options. Here are some of the things you need to look for when hiring a Realtor in Tampa.
Location
First, you need someone who works in the area in which you want to buy or sell.
How well do they know Tampa? Zooming in closer, how well do they know the neighborhood you’re interested in? The houses in the area? Tampa is an expansive city, so you’ll need a Realtor who can help you decide between neighborhoods like upscale Hyde Park, bustling Ybor, and cozy Davis Islands.
Your Realtor will need to have a familiarity with the local area and neighborhood. Her insights into home comps and median selling pricings, real estate trends in the area, and the local amenities can help you find your dream house and help you more easily sell your home. You can also read my guide for what to look for when buying a home in Tampa.
Experience
Experience is a big plus when it comes to a Realtor. Having someone with experience can help the process go by a lot faster and more smoothly. Because real estate is often the largest investment many people make, having an experienced Realtor on your side can help you navigate the process more easily and help ensure that you’re protected.
When it comes to experience, it’s not just about having sold homes or helped clients purchase homes in a particular area. Having experience with a variety of situations can also help ensure that your transaction goes well. For example, are you looking for non-negotiable features, like accessibility or good school zones? Are you trying to sell in a specific time frame? Do you need particular contingencies in place? A skilled Tampa Realtor will have experience dealing with these factors and more.
Ultimately, whether you are selling or buying, you will want someone who knows what you need and how to get it. That means someone who can negotiate well and be proactive in solving problems, and that comes with experience.
Reputation
Another factor you’ll want to look at is a Realtor’s reputation.
What do previous clients think of them? Are they known for successful and quick closings?
If you know anyone who has recently moved and who can suggest some options for you, see who they have a positive opinion of. If you’re getting positive referrals for someone and they have good reviews, schedule a meeting with them to see if you may be a good fit. It’s also important to note that someone who has a lot of great reviews and referrals should have a good amount of connections, and that will definitely be a huge positive as well.
If they have any negative reviews, see how well they handle them. No one wants to work with someone who can’t handle any criticism, after all.
Honesty
Being honest and straightforward is very important when you are working closely with someone, especially since this is such a big life change. You need someone who will not take this decision process lightly and will tell it how it is.
They should have a solid strategy for how they handle the process of selling or buying, and they should be able to lay it out for you in detailed but understandable terms. As the proverb goes: if you can’t explain something simply, you don’t understand it well enough. Honest, patient, and straightforward is definitely the way to go.
Attitude
Finally, and most importantly, you’ll need someone who works well for you. Your real estate agent should be approachable and friendly when you meet her. She should let you ask as many questions as you need, but also ask you questions so that she can get a good idea of what she needs to do to help you.
She should be supportive and willing to have an open line of communication when you need to discuss things — and trust me, you will need to discuss and ask questions during the process.
A good Realtor will truly listen to your needs and work hard to find a good solution, but also be honest about the current market in Tampa if there are some compromises that need to be made. If your Realtor is passionate about her job and getting people into homes that they love, she will be a great help to you.
In Summary
If you do want to work with a Realtor, you will want to meet with at least a handful of real estate agents to find someone who meshes well with you and understands your vision. Personal chemistry, honesty, reputation, experience, and area knowledge should all factor in. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — your Realtor should know how to handle any questions you throw at her and be patient with any worries you may have. If someone doesn’t seem like the right fit, don’t be afraid to keep reaching out to other options to see if they may work better with you.
Choosing the right person can take some time, but it does pay off in the long run. Having the right Tampa Realtor on your side can help you from the beginning of the process to the end — and it can be a lasting relationship if you choose to buy or sell additional Tampa real estate in the future.
I’d love to talk with you and show you how I can help reach your real estate goals. Contact me and let’s chat!