Top 5 Essential Factors to Consider When Choosing a Realtor in Great Falls, MT

Whether you’re buying or selling your home, one thing’s certain - there’s a lot you just don’t know. That’s why you need an expert who knows the Great Falls real estate market forward and backward. The right realtor can make or break your home-buying or home-selling experience. If you are considering a realtor in the Great Falls, Montana, area, there are many things to keep in mind. 

Helpful Factors to Consider When Choosing a Great Falls Realtor

Hiring a random realtor is not enough; they aren’t all created equal. It’s incumbent upon you to choose one that can best meet your needs as a homebuyer or seller. Below are several helpful factors to consider when selecting a realtor in Great Falls, Montana. 

1. Do they have referrals? 

If you have friends, family, or associates who have recently purchased a home in Great Falls, ask them which realtor helped them. Ask questions to get a feel for how the process went from start to finish. 

2. How well do they know the area?

Your realtor should be familiar with the ins and outs of Great Falls. Do they know about the schools and neighborhoods? HOA assessments? Your future commute? Do they know builders, contractors, and local businesses? Feel free to ask questions regarding how long they have worked in the area and how many transactions they have had in the past couple of years. The more, the better.

3. Are they actually a realtor?

A real estate agent is someone who is professionally licensed to buy, sell, and rent homes. To become a realtor, a real estate agent must become a member of the National Association of RealtorsⓇ (NAR). You want to be certain that your realtor is licensed and has the proper credentials to conduct the property transaction.

4. How many listings do they have? 

The number of listings a realtor has can be revealing; a high number could indicate ambition and expertise. Is the realtor eager to buy and sell homes? Is the realtor experienced with various circumstances regarding real estate? You may also want to dig through archives of local magazines and area "top 10" or "best of" lists. Peruse local or regional real estate association websites. This should give you an abundance of helpful information. 

5. Do they have good communication skills?

Does your realtor return phone calls and emails? This is the number one complaint in the real estate industry– lack of communication. If they are unavailable, is there someone qualified who can help out in their absence? You want to make sure your realtor will advocate for you and work in your best interest. 

So, there you have it - 5 essential factors to consider when looking for a realtor in Great Falls, Montana. Just because many realtors are in the area does not mean each individual excels in the industry. Do your homework; it’ll help you uncover the necessary information to find the perfect Montana realtor for your next real estate transaction.