No matter where you are in the home buying process, finding a Phoenix real estate agent who understands your needs is always a priority. The best real estate agents know that one size does not fit all. They will tailor their search to match your preferences while helping you navigate through the technical and financial jargon. They should have their finger on the pulse of the real estate market you are interested in and be able to answer any and all questions you may have throughout the process. Still, knowing how to find a good realtor may seem vague to begin with. With so many realtors available, it may seem daunting to know how to sift through your options. We can help with this.

How to Find the Best Realtor 

Congratulations on starting the process of buying or selling your home! We know this is no small feat and commend you for taking the first step in researching your options. You’ve probably been bombarded with sale signs, realtor ads, postcards, and unsolicited calls. Picking a Phoenix real estate agent is overwhelming and exhausting. We’ve put together a quick guide on how to find the best realtor for you.

  • Talk to a lender – Oftentimes, home shoppers dive headfirst into the process without speaking to a lender. When they finally do, they discover information that drastically changes their goals. You don’t want to be caught in this circumstance. Get pre-approval early in the process so that you are armed with the right information and can set your goals accordingly. For serious home shoppers in a competitive market, a preapproval will speed up the process of buyer consideration. 
  • Choose an agent with the most listings – With a preapproval in hand, you’re getting closer to finding a realtor that matches your home shopping goals. A passive way to finding a real estate agent is to choose one with the most listings in the area you are interested in. This demonstrates that the real estate agent is ambitious and typically has a high chance of success in the home buying process. However, it may also be an indication that they may not be able to devote the time and energy necessary to your goals. You’ll want to take into consideration how much time you want them to commit to your search and answer your concerns. handshaking older senior couple
  • Get referrals – Getting a great referral can help reduce the amount of time spent in the real estate agent search. They can come from friends, family, or work acquaintances who’ve had previous contact and good experiences with them. If you’re relocating to a new area, a referral can be extremely beneficial in becoming familiar with your new neighborhood. Brokerages usually have an extensive network of contacts that know the area intimately and can find hidden gems. 
  • Do your homework – Whether you get a vetted referral or not, it’s always wise to do your homework. That includes examining the potential real estate agent’s online presence and reviews. An agent with 1 or 2 negative reviews is nothing to be concerned about but any more may be a red flag. You’ll also want to check with your state’s real estate regulator to check for disciplinary actions and the Better Business Bureau for negative complaints. 
  • Conduct at least 3 interviews – You’ve finally narrowed down your list of potential agents. It’s best to interview at least 3 and decide who is more aligned with your home shopping goals. This is your chance to get a good sense of who you click with and which agent is the most knowledgeable of what you are looking for. Some key characteristics to look for include professionalism, polished communication, and savviness. 
  • Check references and credentials – Don’t be afraid to ask for references and check out credentials. Usually, real estate agents will have this kind of information on hand for prospective clients. Having up to date credentials is essential to verify whether your agent is a trusted professional. You’ll also want to have the contact information for the people they’ve sold to in the past year to ask questions about their experience throughout the process, including negotiation. During your conversation, ask if they’d hire the agent again. In the meantime, here is a quick overview of the credentials you should be looking for.
    • CRS – This stands for Certified Rental Specialist and indicates additional residential real estate training
    • ABR – This stands for Accredited Buyers Representative and indicates additional training in buyer representation
    • SRES – This stands for Seniors Real Estate Specialist and indicates additional training in helping buyers who are over 50. 
  • Check for community leadership – A Phoenix real estate agent who is involved in their community has a vested interest in helping to grow that area. Remember, real estate is not all about the number of homes you sell, but about how many people you help achieve the American dream. This can take place indirectly through sincere community involvement. You want an agent who demonstrates that they believe in the community they sell for by getting involved with other businesses, participating in local schools, and contributing to local charities. An agent involved in the local area will not just sell you a home but a whole community. 
  • Check your contract – Pay attention to the fine print of a contract that specifies buying or selling terms and conditions. This will play a key role in the sales time frame and commission rate. Since the market continuously fluctuates, you’ll want to be fully aware of the amount of time you have to buy or sell a home. 
  • Check your gut – At the end of the day, you’ll want to trust your gut and choose the best agent for your needs and goals. Finding a knowledgeable, ethical, and experienced agent should start with building a trusting and open relationship. You want to feel comfortable placing your home shopping dreams in their hands. Although subjective, having a good idea of what you consider to be a high quality home buying experience is the best way to accomplish your dreams. Since you’ll be communicating for several months, you’ll want the relationship to be rock solid. Agent and customer meeting and handshaking

Call Our Office Today

Are you ready to take the next steps? As a leading Phoenix real estate agent, Jeff Barchi has over 20 years of experience helping people just like you achieve their home shopping dreams. Let our real estate team assist you in your search and answer any questions you may have. As a top 1% performer, we close an average of 50 sale transactions per year and specialize in the Phoenix and Paradise Valley areas. Home sale transactions are typically closed at an average of 87 days but Jeff can cut that time in half. For those looking to buy a new home, an average final purchase price is typically 5% lower than comparable homes in the area. For those selling homes, an average sale is usually 1% higher. 

If you’re looking for one of the best Phoenix real estate agents in the nation, you’ve come to the right place. Take a look at the glowing reviews listed on our website. Give us a call today and let’s plan the next steps together!