Your Realtor doesn't need to answer the phone at midnight. But when an important decision comes up, you should know they'll be there.
Buying or selling a home involves dozens of decisions, unexpected developments and occasionally some fairly stressful moments. Having a Realtor who communicates clearly and consistently can make the entire process more manageable.
Yet communication is one of those qualifications that buyers and sellers frequently overlook when interviewing real estate agents.
Before hiring someone to represent you, find out how they communicate, how quickly they respond and who will actually be handling your transaction.
What Does Good Communication Look Like?
A great Realtor does more than return phone calls. They anticipate questions, explain your options and keep you informed before small problems become big ones.
For sellers, that might mean providing regular updates on showing activity, buyer feedback and changes in the local market.
For buyers, it means promptly sharing new listings, explaining contract deadlines and making sure you understand the implications of important decisions.
Perhaps most importantly, a good communicator knows how to deliver disappointing news. Whether an offer falls through or an inspection reveals unexpected problems, you need someone who will explain the situation clearly rather than avoid an uncomfortable conversation.
A Local Example: El Dorado Hills, California
Consider someone relocating to El Dorado Hills who is unfamiliar with the Sacramento region.
They may be comparing a custom estate in Serrano, a newer home in Blackstone and a property with sweeping views in The Promontory. These communities offer different housing styles and amenities, and some properties have homeowners association requirements or special tax assessments that buyers need to understand.
For an out-of-town buyer, a top El Dorado Hills Realtor who communicates proactively can be particularly valuable.
Will the agent arrange virtual property tours? Explain important neighborhood differences? Send timely information about new listings? Make themselves available when the buyer travels to see properties?
For sellers, particularly those offering luxury properties, communication is equally important. Some listings require substantial preparation, specialized marketing and coordination with photographers, contractors and other professionals.
You should know what your Realtor is doing and what results those activities are producing.
The One Question You Should Ask
When interviewing prospective Realtors, ask:
"How will you keep me informed throughout the transaction, and how quickly can I expect you to respond?"
Then get specific.
Will you receive weekly updates? Does the agent prefer phone calls, text messages or email? What happens if an urgent issue arises when they're unavailable?
And here's a particularly revealing follow-up: Will you be communicating directly with the Realtor you're interviewing, or will most of your transaction be handled by a team member?
There's nothing wrong with working with a real estate team. In fact, having additional professionals available can be an advantage. But you should understand everyone's responsibilities before signing an agreement.
Pay attention to how the agent communicates during the interview itself. Are they listening carefully? Answering your questions directly? Following through on promises?
Their behavior before you've hired them may provide useful insight into what you can expect afterward.
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