Buying a home is one of the priciest purchases you’ll ever make. There’s a lot to consider, so you should have a great Realtor on your side. Real estate agents can walk you through each step and help you make an informed decision. With thousands of realtors out there, selecting the best one can be a challenge in itself. There are a few traits you should look for.

Drive

When you search SRNRealEstatePros.com or your other favorite real estate site, look for an agent that has drive. All the skills and experience in the world don’t mean a thing if a Realtor is not driven. You should interview potential agents and get a feel for how motivated they are to work with you. If they aren’t willing to start up a business relationship immediately, it may be time to look elsewhere.

Availability

It may seem obvious but look for an agent that has good availability. If you are going out on showings, your schedules must be compatible. Don’t be afraid to ask how many active clients your potential realtor has. Working with too many at once can prevent you from being a priority. In a hot market, you may have to view a house within the first day or two that it is listed. An overflowing schedule may not allow for that.

Friendliness

You should never overlook the importance of having a friendly Realtor. You will potentially be spending a lot of time with your agent, so you need to feel comfortable with them. Not only with a great personality make your experience more enjoyable, but it can also help your deal go smoother. Your agent will be interacting with other agents, lenders, inspectors, appraisers, and escrow officers. Building good relationships with all parties is incredibly helpful.

Professionalism

Ideally, a friendly personality will be balanced with professionalism. Even though buying a home can be fun, you are working with serious, binding contracts. Sloppy work can cost you time, money, or a deal. Pay attention to how well-spoken, prepared, and organized an agent is at your first meeting.

Experience

While experience isn’t everything, it should be discussed. Instead of focusing on how many years agents have been in the business, ask a series of questions. Have they recently worked with clients like you? How do they handle issues? Are they familiar with the areas you’re looking to buy in? You can even discuss qualities that make the agent stand out.

Resources

Not every Realtor has access to or employs the same resources. You should ask what real estate technology an agent uses to improve your experience and if the company offers anything special. If you are a buyer, be sure that your agent can keep you up to date on all new listings as soon as they go on the market.

Connections

Real estate is a business that is all about connections. Connections to vendors like inspectors, contractors, and lenders can help ensure you have a good experience. Agents that know other agents can get deals done smoother by having good communication and rapport. Being connected to an established company and managing broker is beneficial.

Communication

Strong communication skills are vital. A buyer or seller should always be informed of the transaction details. Find an agent who can clearly explain the process, talk you through each step, and tell you what to expect. If Realtors are not communicating with you, they probably aren’t having good communication with the other parties either.

The right Realtor can keep your transaction enjoyable and as stress-free as possible. Make sure to interview a few agents to find the best fit for you.