Are you planning to buy or sell a home in Spirit Lake, Iowa? If you are, then working with a realtor can help ensure that you get the most from your real estate transaction.
A realtor in Spirit Lake is a licensed real estate agent who belongs to the National Association of Realtors. The association has over 1.5 million members who pledge to abide by its standards and code of ethics.
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Why Choosing the Right Realtor Matters
Hiring a professional realtor, whether you’re buying or selling a home in Spirit Lake, IA, can help you make smart decisions, avoiding delays and costly mistakes.
If you’re a buyer, a Spirit Lake realtor can provide you with invaluable assistance with your home-buying process by:
- Making your home search more time and energy-efficient
- Providing objective information about each property
- Helping you negotiate with the seller
- Helping you determine your buying power
- Providing guidance during the evaluation of the property
- Guiding you through the closing process
- Ensuring a smooth transaction
On the other hand, if you’re in the market to sell your property, a Spirit Lake realtor can help you by:
- Providing you with up-to-date information about the market
- Marketing your property through effective traditional and online strategies
- Helping you objectively evaluate every buyer’s proposal without compromising your marketing position
- Helping you close the sale of your property
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Tip #1: Research Local Realtors
Local realtors are knowledgeable about the market and can provide you with the most recent home sale prices of comparable properties in the neighborhood that have recently sold.
If you’re a buyer, a realtor can help you arrive at your offer price so you don’t end up paying more than the fair market value of a property. For a seller, working with a realtor can help ensure you sell your home at the highest possible price.
Some Spirit Lake realtors work with big chain brands, while others work with local offices. The most important advantage for you is that they have the team and resources to make sure that you get the most from your real estate transaction.
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Tip #2: Ask for Recommendations
Ask your friends, colleagues, family, and relatives for referrals to get connected to prospective realtors. You can also get matched with realtors through your lender’s real estate agent network or a standalone referral service.
Tip #3: Check Realtor Credentials
Look up the websites and online profiles of the prospective realtors and read about their specialties and experience. Check out customer reviews to have an idea how it would be like to work with them in helping you buy or sell a property.
Licensure requires real estate agents to complete a certain amount of coursework and pass an exam. Check your state’s real estate commission website to find out if a particular realtor is licensed.
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Tip #4: Interview Multiple Realtors
Whether you’re deciding on a buying or listing agent, it is best to interview multiple real estate professionals before you commit. Generally, it is ideal to interview four to six realtors before making your decision.
By interviewing several realtors, you can gain an understanding of their strengths and determine which one can work with you with one of your biggest assets or purchases.
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Tip #5: Prioritize Experience in Spirit Lake
Real estate is a massive industry in the United States, and markets differ daily based on new laws, developments, and housing trends.
You want to work with an experienced realtor in Spirit Lake who knows the ever-changing neighborhoods inside out, and who has worked with properties similar to yours.
Amy Maris is one of the most trusted realtors in Spirit Lake, Iowa. A third generation in the real estate business, Amy has received the Diamond Achievement Award from the Iowa Association of REALTORS® nine times, each year from 2011-19, in recognition of over $10 million in sales.
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Tip #6: Evaluate Online Presence
One of the things you should consider when evaluating realtors online is their reviews and testimonials. Analyzing online reviews is a great way to learn what past clients in your area think of a particular realtor.
Pay attention to common themes in the reviews, such as communication, service, negotiating skills, and responsiveness. These will give you an idea of the type of service a realtor provides.
Also check the realtor’s listings in your area. Focus on the properties that were sold over recent years. While years of experience is important, their recent performance carries more weight.
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Tip #7: Assess Communication Skills
It’s important that you choose a competent realtor who can build a good rapport, one who listens and responds to your needs and has a working style that complements yours.
Ask them how often they plan to update you. The ideal answer is something like, “As often as you’d like.” The last thing you want is someone who is not committed to communicating with you from start to finish.
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Tip #8: Understand Their Commission Structure
A typical real estate commission ranges from 5% to 6% of the sales price. This is split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. That means the more expensive the home, the more money the realtor makes.
The exact terms of a realtor’s commission vary from sale to sale and can depend on the region and which firm they work for.
Tip #9: Check Their Marketing Plan
If you’re in the market to sell your property, one of the key questions you should ask a prospective realtor is, “How will you market my home?”
A good realtor should be able to execute an effective marketing strategy that increases the visibility of your listing, attracts potential buyers, and ultimately leads to a successful sale.
They should be able to develop a comprehensive marketing plan tailored to your home, taking into account your property’s unique features, target audience, and local market conditions.
Experienced realtors have access to multiple channels to efficiently promote your property, including the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), online platforms, social media, and print advertising.
Aside from hosting open houses and private showings, they have a network that includes top buyer’s agents who can help them spread the word about your Spirit Lake property for sale.
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Tip #10: Trust Your Instincts
Buying or selling a home is a major decision, and you need to choose a realtor that you can trust. Aside from credentials, expertise, and experience, personality and character are important traits to consider as well.
When it’s time to buy or sell your Spirit Lake home and choosing among a shortlist of realtors seems to be overwhelming, trust your instincts and go with the one whom you feel can give you the most positive experience in your real estate journey.
Conclusion
Finding the best realtor to help you buy or sell a home in Spirit Lake, Iowa, is not an easy process. With these helpful tips, you’ll be able to choose a competent and professional realtor who will ensure you get the best deal.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to give us a call today at 712 336 4000 or send us an email at team@okobojire.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify a realtor's license in Spirit Lake?
You can check your state’s real estate commission website to find out if a particular realtor is licensed.
What is the average commission rate for realtors in Spirit Lake?
A typical real estate commission is 5% to 6% of the sales price.
How many realtors should I interview?
Interview at least three prospective realtors and choose one who will represent your best interests throughout the entire process.
