Picking a realtor?that works for you can be difficult. Your agent will be responsible for walking you through your home buying process, from finding the home of your dreams to managing the financial and contractual aspects, which is why we understand how sensitive choosing someone truly trustworthy can be. David Welch?is one of Orlando’s most successful and reliable realtors, having?closed hundreds of transactions in the area for almost 20 years. That is why we?reached out to David to learn?more about his experience as a realtor and see what sort of tips and tricks?you should keep in mind when choosing the right agent for you.
David Welch is a realtor for RE/MAX 200 Realty and works primarily with home owners and home buyers, investors, and manages different accounts.?He has?been named one of the Top 99 Realtors on Twitter by WebsiteBox, and has had his opinions and real estate advice published in Market Watch,?Inman News, Colorado Springs Business Journal, Orlando Business Journal and The Orlando Sentinel and BusinessWeek. He is also one of the most connected real estate agents in Orlando as?you can find him?on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google+, Flickr and now Periscope.
Why pick a realtor to help you throughout your home buying process?
Buying a home may be the biggest financial decision you will ever make, and you are likely only going to purchase a few homes in your lifetime. Ideally, your Realtor will have guided many people through the purchase process.
Where should you begin your search for the right realtor?
It never hurts to ask your friends, family and co-workers for recommendations. I also suggest searching online for agents. Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia and other real estate portals are a great place to look for agents that are active in your area. I would also suggest speaking with at least a few agents before you decide to work with one.
Are there any ‘red flags’ you should look for throughout the process that immediately tell us the realtor wouldn’t be a good choice?
If your agent never seems to be available, or doesn’t return your calls, emails or texts in a timely manner, you may need to find someone who can give you their full attention.
Is there anything to be wary of when going with a new agent? An older/experienced agent?
New agent or experienced agent, you need someone that you feel is on your side. Look for an agent that communicates with your and keeps you updated on what is going on in the market. You really need to feel like you can put your trust in your agent. If you don’t feel that they are putting your interests first, look for someone who will.
Is there any benefit to going with a realtor from a larger/national firm versus a smaller/independent one?
I think there is a familiarity with well-known firms, and they may carry some extra clout, but real estate’s so hyper-local, I don’t know that there is any clear-cut advantage provided to a buyer. Sellers may benefit more from a firm with national or international reach more so than a buyer.
Anything else in general to know before beginning the process?
Aside from finding the right agent to help with the process, getting your financial ducks in a row with a good lender is key. Know how much mortgage you can afford, and what the closing costs, down payment and other expenses – such as inspections are going to cost. I also think that anything you can do to educate yourself on the area you are interested in will give you a leg up in your home search.
If you wish to know more about David Welch’s work for RE/MAX 200 Realty, visit his website DavidWelch.com. Make sure to also follow our Facebook page for more updates and tips on how to pick?the right realtor for you and more.