Orlando’s housing market has seen a 22% increase in the median home price between 2021 and 2022. However, the housing inventory has increased by more than 40% between May and June 2022, the second month in a row with such growth.
Finding a good realtor who can make your house stand out from the competition will ensure you get the best sales price possible. Read on to learn how to hire the best realtor in Orlando.
Identify What Characteristics Are Important to You in an Orlando Realtor
When researching realtors, first figure out what’s most important to you, then look for those qualities in a realtor. Do they place emphasis on getting you the highest price? Is their business founded on honesty, ethics, and integrity?
Above all, a realtor should be open and transparent with you. They should be willing to listen to you, understand your needs, and work with your goals.
You don’t have to choose the first realtor you meet with. Ask all the questions and make a choice based on whom you get along with, who’s the most professional, who’s effective, and who is willing to work with you. Choose someone who is quick to respond and has good communication skills.
Ask for Referrals
Often, it’s best to ask a friend or family member for a referral instead of searching for a realtor from scratch. If you know someone in Orlando who has successfully sold their home, ask them which agent they used. They’ll be able to give you the rundown of different Orlando real estate agents they worked with and what they did or didn’t like about each one.
You can even ask past agents or relocation specialists to recommend someone. Remember to always ask why they recommend that specific person – why do they feel they are the best realtor for the job out of all the realtors in Orlando, Florida?
Check the Realtor’s Credentials and Experience
When searching for the top real estate agents in Orlando, it’s essential to verify the credentials and years of experience of any realtor you consider working with.
A licensed real estate agent in Florida is someone who has completed the required study course and successfully passed the real estate licensing exam. That gives them the right to sell houses, represent buyers and sellers, earn commissions, and do anything that Orlando realtors do in the following five housing categories:
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Business
- Agricultural
So, how can you verify a real estate license in Florida? MyFloridaLicense.com is a free website that allows you to search for and verify someone’s license. There are four license search options:
- Name
- License number
- City/county
- License type
You can ask the realtor for their license number; some will also display it on their website. However, if you can’t find their number, you can simply enter their name to see if they show up.
You should also ask the realtor to show you proof of their track record, including homes they have sold.
In terms of years of experience as a realtor, if you hire an experienced professional, they will have connections with colleagues, which might expedite the sale of your home. They will also be able to tell you when it’s the best moment to sell and have the right skills to negotiate the best sale price for you. A newer professional won’t have a significant market experience but might be very motivated to achieve the best possible deal for you and earn a good review.
Look for a Realtor Who Specializes in the Relevant Property Type
While a realtor might have the license to represent sellers and show properties of different types, choosing one who specializes in the specific property type you’re trying to sell is essential.
For example, someone used to dealing with residential properties might not have the contacts and expertise to successfully sell a commercial property for the best price, and vice versa.
If you’re selling a residential property, a realtor with extensive experience selling homes will know what home buyers are looking for. They’ll know how to create the perfect listing that attracts customers, and they’ll know how to negotiate a better deal for you.
Seek Out a Realtor Who Is a Local Expert
Finding a realtor who is familiar with the local market is also vital. Someone familiar with the area will know how to increase a property’s sale price based on nearby amenities.
For example, they may be familiar with a nearby supermarket that makes life easier for many people. They may be able to sell your property by showing buyers the various public transportation routes that are easily accessible from the house. If the buyer owns a car, they may talk about proximity to highways or major roads that experience little traffic.
A realtor who is a local expert will also help you get the right price for your home. On the other hand, someone who is not familiar with the going rates of homes in Orlando may sell it for less than what you deserve.
Someone familiar with the area will never be at a loss when a buyer asks questions, no matter what the question is. They’ll also know which demographics to target to get the best and quickest results. Finally, they’ll know all about relevant local laws, including zoning laws, that may affect you.
Meet with at Least Three Realtors
It’s a good idea to meet with at least three realtors before settling on a specific one. Otherwise, you may be too quick in your decision and use a realtor who won’t be as efficient or easy to work with.
Write down a list of questions to ask each realtor (see the following section) and see what each one’s answers are. Find out how well each one knows the local market. Check the online reviews of each realtor to find the best real estate agents in Orlando, Florida.
Ask Potential Realtors the Right Questions
Asking the right questions will help you get a complete picture of how each realtor operates. Here are some questions you might want to ask any realtor you’re considering working with:
- What are their communication preferences? Can you call them at any time, or do they prefer email? Can they meet with you in person?
- What is their marketing strategy? How will they ensure that your listing is shown to as many potential buyers as possible, especially those from the right target audience?
- What is their commission? Try to find a real estate agent who takes a low commission – that translates to more money for you.
- How much experience do they have? How many years have they been selling homes, and how many buyers have they helped per year?
- Do they have experience with this specific property type? Are they an expert in the local area?
- What do they do when a buyer tries to lower the price? How do they negotiate?
- Do you have any reviews, references, or testimonials? Can they show you examples of homes they’ve sold?
- How long does it take, on average, for them to sell a home?
Checklist: How to Hire the Best Realtor in Orlando
Let’s wrap things up with our “How to Hire the Best Realtor in Orlando” checklist. Bookmark this page and refer to this checklist as necessary:
- Determine what’s essential to you – ethics, honesty, transparency, integrity, the highest sales price, etc.
- Ask someone to refer you to a qualified realtor they trust.
- Ensure that the realtor has the proper credentials and license.
- Ask the realtor whether they specialize in your property type.
- Ensure the realtor is a local expert.
- Ask the realtor a list of questions.
- Read reviews and ask for testimonials.
- Meet with at least two other realtors and repeat the process.
- Sign the contract with the realtor.
- If things aren’t working out, don’t hesitate to terminate the contract (if possible) and find a new realtor.
Finding the right realtor is a process, so don’t rush things. Waiting before signing a contract with a specific realtor may speed things up in the long run, helping you sell your house more quickly.
