Why Finding the Right Realtor Is Step One in Your Home Search
I do this business because I love it, and I’m able to help people. My basic premise is to make an effect and help people build wealth through real estate. I’ve sold more than $3 billion in Philadelphia real estate over my career. Working with clients from all walks of life, ages, and experience levels, I enjoy helping everyone from first-time home buyers to experienced real estate investors. Regardless of what type of real estate they are seeking – furnished or unfurnished apartments, luxury condos, single-family homes, or investment properties – one thing all my clients confront is the stress involved in purchasing real estate. My job as their luxury Philly realtor is to alleviate stress by asking the right questions, anticipating issues, and solving problems. My experience has taught me what clients should look for in a realtor – and why the most important part of being a realtor is having a passion for helping people.
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I love working with first time buyers because you see that Hallmark, little moment in the eye, where they go, “Oh my gosh this is the right one! How am I going to pay for it?”.
I’m most proud of anytime I get to help someone really have a dream come true, because I want to help everybody buy something.
So when a buyer says, “Nancy, can we work together?”, my answer is always yes.
The first action I ask someone to do when they say, “Nancy, I want to buy a house, will you help me?”.
I say, “Of course, let’s get together a list of what you need and what you want”.
“Have you met with a lender? Do you want to pay cash?
You’re putting three percent down, twenty percent down?
Is a family member helping you?
What if you walked into the perfect, perfect home tomorrow at 12:15 pm, are you ready to buy it at 12:20 pm?”
Those are the types of questions I ask a buyer to just make sure we are all on the same page.
I do this business because I love it and I’m able to help people, because we all exist to make an effect.
My basic premises to make an effect and help people build wealth through real estate.
Don’t Be Scared by the Stress of Luxury Philly home buying, renting, or selling
Among 2,000 Americans who participated in a 2018 survey by Homes.com, 2 in 5 first-time home buyers reported that buying a new home is the most stressful event in modern life, while another 44% said they felt nervous at all stages of the purchase process. Concerns – and constraints – caused by Covid have complicated home showings and purchases.
But the Philadelphia real estate market in 2021 continues to be hot. Opportunities abound for buyers and sellers. If you’re thinking of buying a condo, apartment, home, or investment property this year, don’t be scared off by the stress. Based on my long career in the real estate industry, here are the most important things to look for in a realtor.
- Location, location, location. You hear this mantra constantly whenever real estate is mentioned. Most times, this refers to the location of the property. But it also refers to the realtor’s knowledge of where you want to purchase. If a realtor covers a certain territory, it doesn’t necessarily mean they know the area or neighborhood well. Interview realtors and ask for references from past clients who purchased in the specific geographic range in which you’re looking for your property.
- Can We Talk? During the purchase process, you will talk with your realtor multiple times each day. She or he is representing you in what is for many people the single biggest purchase of a lifetime. You need to know your realtor will be responsive; you need to be able to talk openly and honestly. In the early stages of your relationship with your realtor, check in with yourself: Are you comfortable with your agent? Do you have clear communication with her or him? Let your gut be your guide.
- Realtor AND Teacher. At Maxwell Realty, we are in the business to help people realize their dreams. Part of that process involves educating clients about options, answering any questions, and explaining the often complex, overwhelming buying process. If you feel pressured or rushed, or if you are confused but your realtor is not clearing up the confusion, it’s time to find someone who can give you clarity.
- Expansive Network. Working with an agent who is affiliated with a larger agency or brokerage, rather than a solo player, expands your network for finding properties. This is an important consideration, especially if you are looking in a city like Philadelphia.
- Details Make the Deal. Your agent should know details about every property you view and visit. Knowing this information means she or he did the research necessary, that they understand your needs and wants and have matched you to a property that corresponds to your list. Small details matter in life – and in real estate deals.
- What’s the Game Plan? Your agent should be able to explain – concisely and clearly – her or his strategy for locating the right property for you. The plan should include a list of available properties and why they meet (or do not meet) your needs; a schedule for in-person or virtual tours; a list of neighborhoods or areas and options in each for your consideration; and a list of ancillary professionals, including a loan agent. Your agent should also give you more than one contact number – it’s important that you feel able to reach your realtor in the event of an urgent question or possible deal.
- Is Your Agent All Ears? In this case, that’s a good thing! You want an agent who will listen to you – and really hear your concerns and needs. The right agent for you will let you talk first, and then offer you viable, practical options based on your needs. If you want a furnished condo for sale in Rittenhouse Square, your agent should show you those properties – not unfurnished single family homes in another neighborhood. A great agent will talk more about your wish list than her track record. He’ll answer your questions in terms you understand, with patience and professionalism. In short, the best agent will hear you – and what she says will make sense based on what you’ve shared about your situation.
Choose the Right Philadelphia Realtor
Bottom line: There are many realtors in the Philadelphia real estate market. You deserve one with experience, a proven ability to work with and for clients in transactions of all sizes and scope. With more than 50 years of experience, Maxwell Realty real estate agents will make the process seamless and stress-free. Our expert Philadelphia luxury home realtors have more than $3 billion in transactions, and decades matching renters to their perfect luxury apartments.
If you are looking for an agent who knows the Rittenhouse Square, Art Museum area, Washington Square, Logan Square, Center City, and other Philadelphia neighborhoods like the back of her hand – and an agent who will hold your hand through the tumultuous maze of the sales process – call Nancy Alperin of Maxwell Realty.