How do I know what real estate agent is right for me?

Writing this, I am thinking a lot about how I would want to be treated as a potential seller and/or buyer. I understand I'm an agent, but I try to put myself in the shoes when my husband and I were looking for our home.

1. Find one that you can TRUST -- easier said than done, right? Most people think that when they are looking for an agent, dollar signs are the only thing that is on the realtor's mind. For some, this may be the case, BUT NOT ALL! When you meet with an agent for the first time, you should be able to feel comfortable and cared for. If the agent isn't trying to get to know you, your interests (outside of what you are looking for in a home), and genuinely cares about guiding you through an exciting but difficult process, they may not be the one for you.

2. Is the agent going to LISTEN to you? -- Are they looking for a home or them or YOU? Do they understand what you are looking for in a home? Though most of the time it is very hard to find a home that fits all of someone's wants and needs, make sure that the agent is taking as much as possible into consideration.

3. COMMUNICATION is key! -- Are they keeping in contact you through the process? Obviously, you don't want to be bombarded with phone calls, texts, and emails by your agent at all hours. You want an agent that is going to not only communicate verbally, but help give you timelines, goals, etc. to help you through the process. There are a lot of tasks to be accomplished throughout the process of buying a home, by both the agent and yourself. Make sure that you choose an agent that will make everything as clear as possible to help the process go as smooth as possible.

4. Are they HONEST with you? -- Sometimes it is hard to accept an honest opinion from someone that is helping you find your forever home, but do not choose an agent that is going to steer you in a direction that is going to set you up for trouble in the future. Ultimately, your home purchase is your decision - YES - but remember, your realtor is an expert in the field, and may see something in the home or understand the financial burden that may happen in the future.

Obviously, these are just some of the characteristics that you want to find in your agent, and again, you should be skeptical if the agent is only looking at dollar signs. You want to find one that you are going to refer to your friends, family, and use again in the future.

As I am typing this, I am reviewing the traits that my husband and I had in our realtor, and I do the same for my sellers and buyers. If you are looking for a Real Estate Agent that has the characteristics above, and more, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Emilie Gallup

Swanson Real Estate

(630) 688-0348

Sandwich Office

503 E Church St.

Sandwich, IL 60548