In what we see as an unprecedented market the importance of having a skilled Realtor on your side is second to none. The difference of actually getting to the closing table and not is often how well your Realtor is versed in the nuances of the current housing market in Colorado Springs. While it may feel strange to you as a new Buyer, you are hiring a Realtor to protect what is probably your largest purchase/investment ever. These people need to be experts in their industry. Everyone knows a Realtor - so how do you differentiate the bad, the good, and the best Realtor for you?

We've come up with a basic list of things to ask your Realtor before hiring them:

Experience and References

• How many homes have you sold this year?
• How long have you been a full time Realtor? (New agents may be a better fit if they are more enthusiastic and energetic, just make sure they have someone backing them up so you don't lose out)
• Do you have any Designations?
• Do you typically work with Sellers or Buyers?
• Do you typically work in my price range? (Especially important for first time home buyers and conversely for luxury)
• How well do you know the area?
• Do you have contacts for inspections, contractors, lenders, attorneys etc?

• This list goes ever on, but as we mentioned this is a basic list. You don't have to grill your agent over questions - it's not an interrogation, it's and interview for a job. If you are looking at specific property (think investment, flip, lake house etc) you need to ask about their expertise in that area. Not all sales are the same; a Realtor is bound by a code of ethics and should not work in an area they are not experts in. 

• How They Find Property
• Do you have access to off market opportunities?
• Do you have your own IDX site?
• Are you a member of multiple MLS's?
• Do you have Exclusive Listings that may work for me?
• Do you market for homes that fit my criteria?
• What is your experience with foreclosures/auctions?
• How often do you look at the Hot Sheets?

This is always a hard one. In all reality most property we sell is directly from the MLS and working with other Agents in Colorado Springs. On occasion we get off market deals, first dibs on foreclosures, and even access to listings before they hit the market. With the amount of things out here on the internet it is not uncommon for Buyers to be the ones to find their own home. Just make sure you find a Realtor that will work diligently to find the home that meets your criteria. Also, don't be worried if you need to concede on some of those criteria as buying a home now is likely more cost effective than waiting even longer.

Availability and Communication

• How long does it take to get a response via text/email/phone?
• Do you work weekends, nights, holidays?
• Are you planning any vacations or days off?
• Do you have anyone that can fill in if you can't work with me?
• What is your preferred method of communication?

Realtors are humans! Setting boundaries is important, but we do understand that real estate never sleeps. If a Realtor doesn't work weekends in this crazy market that may be an issue for you as a home buyer - but you do need to give people a break, time off is important. Try not to expect to get into a property the same day also, it's not always possible as we have multiple clients and we have to work around COVID guidelines, showing blocks, and every parties schedule. It is important to say that you should expect a lot of communication, and very quick responses regardless of the day. Some of us work 24/7, some of us work 9-5. Find who you think fits best, but be respectful. 

Expertise

• Why should I hire you?
• What sets you apart?
• How do you research property?
• How do you negotiate?

Let's face it, most of the questions above really boil down to these 4. All Realtors should have a value proposition and a good idea why someone should work with them. In this market in Colorado Springs, a great Realtor understands the time value of money, that list price does not equate to market value, and the intricacies of appraisal gaps, inspection clauses, and escalation clauses. Finally, EVERY Realtor says they are negotiation experts, but very few actually are. Good negotiators take integrative negotiation tactics into account and find a creative cost effective win-win. Saying simply no or yes is not an effective way to work as a Buyers Agent here. 

If you are working to buy right now check out our tips for getting an offer accepted that aren't simply offering more money here.