Buying and selling a home in Shreveport is like finding the perfect fishing spot in the Louisiana waters– it requires local expertise, some patience, and a little insider knowledge to hook the big one. In other words, real estate transactions can be easy or as tricky as navigating a maze regardless if it’s your first or fourth time.
The key is to find the right Realtor, one who knows the Shreveport real estate market and lifestyle, before you begin your real estate journey.
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REAL ESTATE AGENT VS. REALTOR
The terms “real estate agent” and “realtor” are often used interchangeably, but that’s a mistake a lot of people make. Although both are professionals in the real estate space, they’re bound– or not– by certain rules and regulations.
What is a real estate agent?
A real estate agent is someone who has completed all the necessary coursework and tests to obtain a real estate license. In Louisiana, that involves completing a 90-hour pre-licensing course and passing the accompanying exam, obtaining an Errors and Omissions insurance, and passing the Louisiana Real Estate Examination, among other things.
Once an individual has completed the requirements, they must choose to work with a sponsoring Broker, after which they can start their new role as a real estate agent. From there, they can work with clients and provide them with market insights, listings access, and other services.
What is a Realtor?
Every Realtor is a real estate agent, but not every real estate agent is a Realtor. Basically, Realtors are agents who have decided to go a step further in their profession by joining the National Association of Realtors (NAR). As a member, they abide by a strict code of ethics that goes along with state law requirements, ensuring they are honest and fair in all of their transactions.
And speaking for going a step further, quite a few Realtors have additional certifications and designations under their belt. These help underscore their expertise on the field even further. Lastly, working with the right Realtor for your Shreveport real estate venture enables you to enjoy the following benefits:
- A Realtor is like your personal GPS guide. They help you navigate the twists and turns of real estate transactions by providing you with expertise and insight that may be challenging to find on your own.
- A Realtor is not only knowledgeable of the market; they also know the local lifestyle. For instance, they can tell you the difference between living in Broadmoor and Highland, where the best schools in Shreveport are located, and which neighborhoods are perfect if you’d like to invest in an up-and-coming area full of potential. This kind of insider information can help you snag your dream home instead of missing out.
- A Realtor can use their own network of professionals to find you the house you’ve always wanted. Similarly, when you’ve decided to sell your home, your Realtor might just know another Realtor whose client might be interested in your property. Putting such connections to use can significantly speed up your home buying or selling experience.
- A Realtor will act according to your best interests when it’s time to negotiate. Although they’re on your side, they can handle this stage of the buying or selling process objectively, guided by facts, numbers, and your goals. They’ll know that’s reasonable and what isn’t, and how to navigate the delicate dance of offers and counteroffers.
- A Realtor is especially helpful to first-time home buyers and sellers who have yet to familiarize themselves with the process. They can break down complicated real estate jargon, guide them through certain procedures, and smooth out any hiccups throughout the entire undertaking. Why consult the internet when you already have a seasoned real estate professional on your team?
An agent’s services and expertise is indispensable to any real estate transaction. So, if you’re going to hire one, pick a professional who has already gone the extra mile. Work with a Realtor.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SHREVEPORT REALTOR
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Relevant experience
The right Realtor for you should have ample experience that fits with your real estate goals. Naturally, if you are selling a home, work with a Realtor who specializes in selling the type of property you have. Similarly, if you intend to purchase a condo in Shreveport, find a Realtor who knows that market.
Do not go by solely on years in the industry as well. If a prospective Realtor with decades of experience has a notable gap in their portfolio or has been out of commission for some time, they might not be up to speed with current market trends and conditions. As much as possible, find a Realtor with relevant and recent experience.
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Communication skills
Communication is the golden thread in the realtor-client relationship. You need somebody who speaks your language, whether you prefer quick text updates, detailed emails, or old-fashioned phone calls. The right Realtor not only keeps you on the loop, but also listens and understands your concerns and preferences.
Don’t forget that communication skills are also one of the most important factors to a successful real estate transaction. You’ll want a Realtor who can convey your wishes to other parties involved, as well as represent your best interests in the negotiation table.
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A solid track record
Results speak louder than words. Don’t shy away from asking potential Realtors for proof of their success. How many homes have they sold in the past year? What’s the average time their listings stay on the market? Are there particular sales they are proud of? Do they have rave reviews and testimonials from previous clients? This information will give you a glimpse into their effectiveness and reliability.
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Honesty and transparency
You want a Realtor who tells it like it is. In the middle of a real estate transaction, the last thing you need is someone who sugarcoats truth or hides important details. The right Realtor should keep you informed about every aspect of the process all the time and walk you through the pros and cons of a certain property or deal. With an honest and transparent Realtor, you can make better, smarter, and informed decisions.
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT SHREVEPORT REALTOR FOR YOU
So, how do you find the right Realtor in Shreveport for your needs?
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Start with research
Whether you’re buying or selling a home, any real estate transaction begins with good old research. In this case, your homework is focused on locating Realtors based in Shreveport.
There are two ways to go about this: ask referrals from people you know and take your search online. Doing both at the same time may reveal some recurring names or leads that may warrant further investigation. But first, collect names and do individual searches. Read reviews and testimonials when possible, and if they have their own real estate websites, check them out.
Ideally, the Realtor you pick should have a consistent history of buying and/or selling Shreveport or, even better, in the neighborhood you want to focus on. But remember, word-of-mouth referrals and online profiles only show one side of the coin. Only use what you’ve researched as a starting point.
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Tap into local knowledge
Many Realtors these days have a visible online process as part of their own marketing strategies. They frequent online forums, message boards, and Facebook Groups to provide personal insights, give real estate advice, or simply share Shreveport real estate news and updates. You might find the right Realtor in these online spaces.
So don’t hesitate in joining an online community or two. Post a real estate question and see which replies belong from a Realtor. That can be a lead. Alternatively, you can use these online groups as a way to ask for recommendations if you can’t source referrals from people you know.
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Attend open houses
You might think it’s a little too early to attend open houses if you’re buying a home, but these events offer opportunities to meet the right Realtor for your needs. Regardless if you’re buying or selling, pay attention to how the Realtor presents the property, engages with visitors, and answers questions.
Their demeanor, knowledge, and approach can offer clues about their professionalism and suitability to your needs. Visit a few open houses, even if you’re not interested in the property. Use it as an opportunity to observe and interact with Realtors.
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Double-check their credentials
As you come up with more names during your initial search, don’t forget to verify their credentials. Doing so protects you from potential disappointments.
Louisiana Realtors are licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission, which maintains a public database of licensed Realtors and any disciplinary actions taken against them. Additional certifications– Certified Residential Specialist or Accredited Buyer’s Representative, to name two– can also highlight a Realtor’s dedication to their profession and expertise in specific market segments.
After compiling all the information you’ve gathered, come up with a list of potential Realtors you’d like to meet and interview. From there, you can narrow down your prospects until you finally find the right Realtor.
INTERVIEWING POTENTIAL REALTORS
Step 1: Make contact
Reach out to potential Realtors one by one through phone or email and gauge if they are prompt and professional in their response. From there, it’s up to you to decide if you’d like to pursue a one-on-one interview or, as some call it, a real estate consultation. Set a deadline for responses, and if a Realtor fails to reply within that time frame, consider moving on to the next name on your list.
Step 2: Prepare your questions
Once you’ve settled on a date for the interviews, don’t forget to prepare a questionnaire. Feel free to ask any questions about them and their work. If you’ve heard something about them through the grapevine or an online tidbit caught your interest, don’t hesitate to bring it up.
Here are some other questions you might want to add to your questionnaire:
- How long have you been working in the Shreveport real estate market? A seasoned veteran will have seen it all but might be set in their ways. On the other hand, a relative newcomer might be hungry and innovative, but could lack the connections and know-how. Use this question to learn more about their story.
- Which market segments in Shreveport do you focus on? This question is designed to gauge if a prospective Realtor is the right fit for your specific market. Which areas of Shreveport do they do business in, and what kind of properties do they usually help sell? Do they deal in the lower or middle range in terms of prices, or do they specialize in the luxury market?
- How do you communicate with your clients? Are they a texter, an emailer, a caller, or do they prefer talking with their clients in person? How do they give updates? Will they be in touch with every whisper of interest, or will you only hear from them when there’s a lead if you’re buying or a solid offer if you’re selling?
- I’m [insert a one-liner about your real estate plans]. If you’re my Realtor, what would be your strategy? This question helps you understand your prospective Realtors’ work styles and approach to buying and selling Shreveport real estate.
- What are your fees? Money matters. Understanding their commission structure upfront can prevent awkward conversations about it down the line. This question also opens the door to discussing what other services they offer.
- What makes you different from other Realtors? Are they tech-savvy, offering virtual tours and digital marketing strategies? Do they have an extensive network of contacts? Certifications? Designations? Perhaps they’ve already hit a sales milestone that shows their skill and capacity as a Shreveport Realtor. Their answers will tell you a lot about their values and enthusiasm for their work.
Step 3: The interview
It’s up to you to set the tone for the interview. You can visit their office in Shreveport for a more formal affair. Alternatively, you can invite them out for a chat at a local cafe or restaurant.
Regardless of where you decide to hold it, remember that this is essentially a job interview. Be friendly and conversational, but not overly casual. Observe boundaries, and don’t reveal too much information about yourself as well. Keep your questionnaire at hand, and don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions if there are points you’d like to clarify.
Finally, set a time for the interview. Chances are the Realtor you’re interviewing is only carving out time from a busy work day. Take care not to keep them for more than two hours. And since we’re on the subject of time, don’t be late.
Step 4: Making the final decision
Choosing the right Realtor isn’t a decision you should rush. So, take your time to compare the candidates. Go over your notes and consider their work experience and personal interactions with them.
START YOUR SEARCH WITH OSBORN HAYS REAL ESTATE
Osborn Hays Real Estate is a boutique real estate brand with 25+ years of experience providing real estate services in Shreveport and the surrounding areas. Our portfolio includes specializations in residential, commercial, land, and investment properties.
With our unique blend of professionalism, community knowledge, and stellar track record, we’re here to ensure your journey is smooth and successful. Why wait? You can call us at 318.603.3641 or send us an email here!