When choosing a realtor in Colorado Springs, you need to work with someone who truly represents your best interests. But sometimes, it’s hard to separate the people who are just okay at what they do from the ones who are great — especially if you don’t work in real estate yourself.
With over a decade of experience providing real estate services to homeowners in Colorado Springs, we know what separates the realtors who are just “okay” from the ones that are great. So today, we’re providing a rundown of the measures you should take when deciding which real estate professional to work with in Colorado Springs.
Following the practices listed below will help you confidently choose a Colorado Springs realtor who has your best interest in mind. Keep reading to learn how you can find someone you’re comfortable working with as you take the first steps toward finding the perfect home in Colorado Springs!
1) Work With A Local Realtor
Colorado Springs is a unique market, and you want to work with an individual who has spent a lot of time living in the area where they operate. When you work with realtors who have significant experience living in Colorado Springs, you gain access to local knowledge and insight.
For example, your realtor should be able to give you an idea of different neighborhoods in Colorado Springs that would fit your schooling, entertainment, or commuting needs.
Whether you’re looking for more outdoor access, great school districts, or access to nearby shopping, a realtor who lives in Colorado Springs can provide unique perspectives and neighborhood recommendations based on their experience in the area.
Local realtors will also be familiar with how much time it takes to go from various parts of the city to other areas you frequent. If you’re moving for work, realtors who live in the area can provide unique insight that may influence your decision when choosing a house to purchase.
2) Ask For Local References
It’s best to work with local realtors. But where do you actually find them?
If you have connections in the area, you can ask them for a recommendation.
If you don’t, you can also look for Colorado Springs realtors who are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) or Colorado Association of Realtors (CAR). These organizations maintain high standards for membership, so you can be sure that any Colorado Springs realtor who is a member of either organization will be qualified to help you with your home search.
Once you’ve decided whether you’ll get your references from real-life connections or online databases, you can create a list of professionals to consider. With 4 or 5 names on your list, you’re ready to start narrowing down your choices.
3) Look At Online Testimonials
With your list of Colorado Springs realtors in hand, it’s time to start looking at online testimonials.
Google reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and Facebook are all great places to go for an idea of past client satisfaction.
If any of the names on your list have multiple negative reviews, remove them.
If a Colorado Springs realtor has mostly positive reviews, that’s a good sign! It means that their past clients have been happy with the work they’ve done.
But it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the right person to work with!
4) Check Posts On Social Media Pages
After checking online testimonials, take a look at the social media profiles for each realtor on your list. Their presence often reflects the quality of their work.
Do they have a lot of educative videos that demonstrate industry knowledge and experience?
If they celebrate after closing a sale, did they close below asking price, or above asking price?
Testimonials say a lot about client experiences, but social posts can tell you a lot about a realtor’s bargaining capabilities and professional practices. Review them to get an idea of your realtor’s sense of discrepancy and judgment. Both are important when writing offers.
5) Check Sales Stats On Zillow
Social media profiles are great for seeing your potential realtor’s personality firsthand. But there is a drawback: most people only post their best moments on social media!
Make sure you check the sales stats for each Colorado Springs realtor on your list.
You can find this information on Zillow. Simply enter the name of the realtor you’re interested in and select “Sales History” from the “More About This Agent” drop-down menu. This will show you how many homes they’ve sold in the past 12 months.
Generally speaking, a realtor that sells many homes is a good one. If you’re considering a realtor and find that they’ve only sold one or two homes in the past 12 months, you might want to choose someone else.
6) Interview Potential Realtors Before Making A Final Decision
Regardless of how many names are left on your list at this point, it’s a good idea to interview anyone you plan to work with before you start making offers.
Create a list of questions in advance so that you can ask all candidates for the same information. Questions you might ask include:
- How long have you worked as a realtor in Colorado Springs?
- Do you specialize in any specific areas?
- If so, what experience do you have in that area?
- Can you work within my budget?
As you interview your potential realtor, pay attention to how they answer your questions. Make sure their communication style is compatible with yours to avoid potentially awkward situations down the road.
7) Pay Close Attention To Attitude
Finally, pay close attention to the attitude of the Colorado Springs realtor you’re considering working with as you interview them.
It’s important to find someone who is patient and understanding of your needs. Dealing with real estate can be stressful, so it’s important to work with someone who will make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Look for realtors in Colorado Springs with a can-do attitude who are willing to go above and beyond to educate you about available options. If you feel like the realtor you’re interviewing is trying to push you in a direction you’re not comfortable with, or if they seem impatient, it might be best to look elsewhere.
Skip The Search And Choose Vantegic
Colorado Springs is a great place to live, and we know all the ins and outs of the local market. Whether you’re looking for your first home, your dream home, or an investment property, the steps above can help you find the perfect professional to help you meet your goals.
Now you know how to find a great Colorado Springs realtor, but the search itself can still be time-consuming and tiring. So why not skip it altogether? At Vantegic, we have over a decade of experience in the local real estate market. Contact us today and start searching Colorado Springs for the home of your dreams.
