Buyers looking at houses for sale in Madera, CA, have found this hopping little city in the San Joaquin Valley and realized that Yosemite National Park is just a short trip away, making Madera a real estate opportunity most buyers can't pass up.
When a buyer is ready to go all in on a home in a sunny city right down the road from some of the nation's most beautiful state parks, all that's left is one question: how do they find the right Realtor?
It's a good question — teaming up with the right Realtor will be an essential component of your home search. However, first-time buyers may have questions about finding him or her. Read on for a simple guide to choosing the Realtor of your dreams to guide you toward the perfect California home.
1. How many home sales have they made in the past year?
Hesitation to use numbers as metrics of success is common. Maybe a Realtor works part-time, or maybe the market has been impossible for buyers. However, when choosing a real estate agent, buyers need to team up with a pro who has their finger on the pulse of the real estate market. They're familiar with current trends, they know what houses in your area are selling for, and nothing will surprise them when it comes to finding a new property for their clients.
Speaking to a Realtor who has closed only a few deals in the past year could mean any number of things, but either way, this agent is likely not up to speed with the trends of their local real estate market. It is ideal to look for another agent who is closing more transactions consistently, as they will be more “in the know” about the housing landscape.
While there isn't an exact magic number to indicate credibility — especially because location impacts sales volume — seeking out agents with at least 10 transactions per year is a good place to start, even in a smaller-sized city such as Madera.
2. Do they have any former clients to talk to?
Confirming a Realtor's credibility by conversing with their past clients is an optimal way to gain authentic insight into the agent's communication style, strengths, and areas for improvement. Although the chosen references may be handpicked for good reason, buyers will still have ample time and opportunity to verify whatever information has been given to them via their own conversations with past clients.
Make sure to inquire about the level of effort the Realtor put into their work while past clients were buying or selling and how communicative they were throughout the process. Most importantly, find out if a reference would want to work with them again.
It might be tempting to skip checking references if a buyer thinks they've found the perfect Realtor or just wants to save some time, but potential buyers are encouraged not to overlook this step.
3. How available are they?
When searching for Madera, CA, real estate for sale, it is essential to have an agent who will support their clients throughout the buying process. A successful Realtor should be able to answer questions thoroughly, show you houses that meet specific criteria, review paperwork promptly, and communicate with the other party in a transaction without feeling overwhelmed by their workload.
If they appear rushed and stressed each time they talk to their clients, or if they already have numerous clients on their roster, then it may be best to disqualify them from consideration. After all, you want to feel like a priority and that your questions and concerns are being addressed in a timely fashion.
When you're searching for a buyer's agent, make sure they can show homes to you at convenient times. For example, if the majority of your free time is on weekends, but the agent's availability doesn't line up, look elsewhere — this isn't the right match!
4. How often do they communicate?
In addition, make sure to discuss preferred communication methods (phone, text, or email) and how often they plan on providing updates. Does their preferred communication style align with yours? A reliable agent should keep prospective buyers in the loop regularly and promptly address all queries.
Before hiring a real estate agent, it's essential to verify their claims of being an excellent communicator. Test the waters by sending them a follow-up email, call, or text after your initial meeting and observe how quickly they respond. Do they take care of the inquiry themselves or pass it on to someone else? Did they address every aspect of your question?
A prompt, thorough response shows that an agent is engaged and organized in their communication style while still maintaining attention to detail. When looking for a new home, an attentive real estate agent can be of immense assistance by keeping prospective buyers informed about newly listed properties, providing exclusive off-market opportunities, and relaying sellers' responses to offers.
You want to team up with someone who presents themselves professionally and communicates effectively and promptly, as they will play an essential role in negotiations and every step of the home-buying journey.
Find a top-notch Madera Realtor to team up with
By asking all the right questions and doing some research, prospective buyers can make sure that they find the perfect Realtor for their team — someone who will be their expert partner in finding and purchasing a beautiful new home. When searching for a Realtor, being thorough and taking the time to ask essential questions can save prospective buyers lots of hassle down the road.
Ready to find that Madera Realtor? Contact local expert Todd Earnhart today. With more than 17 years of experience backing him, Todd promises exceptional service, in-depth market knowledge, and a dedication to your goals. If you’re considering moving to Fresno, Todd can also provide insights into the area. Todd is ready to help you make waves on the Madera real estate scene. Reach out today to begin your journey.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
