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The Right House Starts With the Right Realtor
Article submitted by Mike & Angie Weeks

It can be mind-boggling - all those houses out there for sale. Each distinguished by price, size, color, community, and about a thousand and one other defining characteristics. Adding to mix, financing options are nearly as plentiful. Because of this rich assortment of variables, buyers intent on locating the right house typically find themselves immersed in a challenging, time-consuming process. Thus, shoppers must take great care when sifting through the sea of possibilities in order to pinpoint a residence that's right for them.

Buyers intent on making the home-shopping experience as smooth as possible should lavish equal care on another major component of the process - the Realtor. The key is choosing one who is compatible with both your goals and your personality. Believe it or not, not all Realtors are the same. Variety is the rule. Finding one with whom you mesh can mean the difference between smooth sailing and stormy seas. In general, there are five points to consider when choosing the person guiding you through what will likely be the most important purchase of your life.

Five Steps to Better House Hunting

1. Obviously, you'll want the chosen one to demonstrate plenty of market smarts.

Your Realtor is your guide through a forest of marketplace possibilities. Sometime the terrain can be tricky. Your best bet is somebody who knows the territory, backwards, forwards, and in the dark.

2. As with all human relationships, you should feel at ease with the person you're entrusting with your future.

Getting the comfort vibe from your Realtor is an important step in building the kind of trust needed for success. Remember, your friendly Realtor is supposed to be removing bumps from the road, not adding to them. Go with one who keeps you well within your comfort zone.

3. Make sure your modes of communication are compatible.

Do you want a techie? A phone talker? Someone who tweets or chats it up on Skype? Provides digital contracts? Remember, it's all about what YOU want in an agent. Be certain yours is on the same communications wavelength.

4. Naturally, the more confidence you have in your Realtor, the better.

So be certain a Realtor's license is displayed on his or her website. It's your assurance of the highest level of professionalism.

5. Make sure the person you've chosen is a Realtor, and not just an agent.

What's the difference? In order to qualify as a Realtor, an agent must be a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That puts Realtors one gigantic step above ordinary agents. Among other things, membership in NAR carries with it a whole set of ethical guidelines as presented in the organization's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practices.

These five steps aren't magic. But they will boost your chances of connecting with the right Realtor - and ultimately the right home. So keep them in mind when you're ready choose your guide through the marketplace. It'll be the start of much happier house hunting.

Article written by Tony Marino
Submitted by Mike & Angie Weeks
First Time Buyer Specialists