Need help finding a real estate agent in Scottsdale? Here’s how to find the perfect partner in the home search process.
- Get preapproved for a mortgage
It’s common for buyers to browse listings before talking to lenders about a potential mortgage application. While there’s no harm in looking at online listings, it can also cause some frustration down the line if you realize that you can afford less or more than the price range you’ve been looking at.
The preapproval process gives you an estimate of how much you can borrow. But perhaps more crucially, this helps you identify potential issues with documentation and financing early in the home buying process.
Getting preapproved for a loan will make it easier for an agent to find listings within your price range. It streamlines the search process and helps you organize your finances before viewing properties.
- Get referrals from friends, family, and co-workers
Reach out to people who have just recently purchased or sold a home in the area. There’s a good chance that someone in your personal or professional network has worked with an agent. Ask them to refer you to a real estate agent that they can vouch for.
- Do an online search
Browse the internet for agents that serve the area you’re buying in. A quick internet search will turn up information on an agent’s background, work experience, specialization, and office address. It should also turn up reviews from previous clients to help you get a feel for their work style and track record. Check their website and social media accounts. From there, you can set up a consultation with several agents.
- Look at their designations
If an agent is a Realtor, or a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), they may have designations depending on the specialized training they’ve received. These designations include:
- Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) is for Realtors who work directly with clients throughout the home buying process.
- CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) is for individuals who’ve received advanced training in facilitating residential real estate transactions.
- Luxury Homes Certification (LHC) is for professionals who specialize in luxury real estate.
Choose a Realtor whose designation aligns with your real estate goals and search criteria. Click here for a full list of NAR designations.
- Interview several potential candidates
Set up a consultation with at least two to three agents. This gives you an opportunity to talk to them directly and get an idea of their communication style and overall vibe. A true professional will present a polished proposal that addresses your concerns as a potential client.
You can also ask them some key questions during the consultation:
- Are they a full-time real estate agent?
- How many clients do they currently have?
- How long do they usually work with buyers to find a home?
- What’s the typical price range or neighborhood they work in?
- What are their commission fees?
- Go through their references
When consulting with an agent, ask for information on properties they’ve listed and sold over the past year along with a few recent clients’ contact information. Contact their references to learn about their experience working with the agent. Ask about the type of support they received during the buying process as well as the agent’s strategy for negotiations.
Work with DeSanti & White Group in Scottsdale, AZ
DeSanti & White Group has been helping clients buy, sell, and invest in Arizona and California real estate over the span of four generations. Contact the team at 480.622.3112 or send an email to nickwhiteaz(at)gmail(dotted)com to get started. Their agents have over 43 years of combined experience in full-time real estate.