Filitsa Sterner

Filitsa Sterner Mistretta: Choosing The Perfect Sarasota, FL Realtor

Whether buying or selling property, it is among the biggest financial events that happens just a few times inside your life. That makes choosing a realtor just as important and a vital decision that can increase the stressful event or make it simpler and easier. So, select your realtor as carefully as you would choose your health care provider or attorney.

The first step in selecting the proper realtor is to ask your friends, neighbors, acquaintances and business associates for recommendations. Ask them why they enjoyed the realtor, what sort of service he/she supplied, and would they use them again? Don't consider recommendations of the relatives -- it's doubtful that you're receiving an accurate perspective on the realtor.

If you didn't find many truly exemplary recommendations, then drive across your neighborhood and check the "for sale" signs, especially those with "Sold" stuck across them. Notice the realtor names. Also, have a look at real estate, display and classified advertising in your paper and local neighborhood newspaper. Which have the biggest or most display ads with photographs of the homes? Notice the realtor names.

By now, you must have a fantastic list of possible realtors. It's time to test them out. Attend at least one open house for each realtor you're contemplating. Observe them in action and judge their experience. How familiar is the realtor with the property he's selling?

If you just used the recommendations of others, now check the advertising from the paper and neighborhood media for the realtors in which you're interested. Do the drive through of your area to determine how many sold signs that these realtors have. Make notes of how visible these realtors are and their advertising efforts.

Next, select your top three real estate picks. It is best if they are from different companies, ensuring they'll work harder for your business. For sellers, make the appointment in your house and tell them you'd like an estimate of your home's market value. For buyers, inform them you'd like them to ascertain how much you can afford to pay for a house. Be certain they know that you're meeting with two other realtors and will not make your decision until you've met with all three.

During each interview, take thorough notes about the realtors' presentations. Notice any thoughts you have. Ask the following questions, along with Whatev