Mount Washington gives you a special view of many Pittsburgh neighborhoods—neighborhoods a good realtor can help you explore.
As Pittsburgh realtors, we’ve helped people buy and sell homes all over the Steel City. Though we’re experienced at it now, we still remember how we felt when we bought our first home years ago. Like many first-time home buyers, we were nervous, scared, and excited.
Now that we’ve been through the wringer many times since then, we know exactly what sort of real estate agent we would have appreciated our first time around. It’s with this knowledge that Ted and I try to be excellent real estate agents to the clients we work with every day.
But there are a few other qualities Ted and I bring to the table that we believe you won’t find in many places in Pittsburgh. We believe we excel at:
Data & Analysis. Ted and I both grew up in engineering households, but Ted also went to school for Chemistry and I went to school for Nutrition. Since we both believe in the scientific process, we spend much of our time analyzing data to find the best deals.
Relocation. As former out-of-towners, we have a wide perspective of Pittsburgh. If someone wants to move to a new neighborhood, we’re the perfect fit.
However, we’ll be the first to admit: Those aren’t the only qualities you want your realtor to have!
5 Qualities Your Realtor Should Have
To help, we’ve compiled this list of traits you should look for in a realtor before you decide to work with them:
1. Look for someone local. The better the realtor knows the neighborhood, the better.
The advantages if you’re the seller: The realtor knows the market in the area, and they understand how to price the house at an amount you’re comfortable with and will ensure the house sells quickly instead of sitting on the market for a longer period of time.
The advantages if you’re the buyer: The realtor’s knowledge of the neighborhood will help you catch the best deals. In addition, the real estate agent will know where you can find your favorite nearby amenities, like gyms, restaurants, parks, and more.
2. Choose someone who matches your needs. If you’re selling your home, does your real estate agent have a track record of successfully selling homes? If you’re buying a home for the first time, does your agent have experience (and patience) to work with first-timers? If you’re looking for a house to flip, does your agent have the eye for a project that will fit into your budget and skill level?
The better aligned your agent’s talents are with your needs, the more successful you’ll be.
3. Find someone who is compatible with you. No, you’re not dating your real estate agent, but you will likely spend plenty of time together as you bounce from house to house, trying to find the perfect home. It’s important you spend this time with someone you’re comfortable with so your stress levels don’t get too high.
4. Use someone who listens. Buying a home is likely the biggest financial decision you’ll ever make, so you want to end up in a home that makes you truly happy. However, you’ll never get there if your realtor doesn’t pay attention to your wants and needs. Buying a house is about you, not about them.
While Ted and I always say it’s important to have an open mind, your realtor should start the search by looking for the items on your list.
Similarly, your realtor should be able to identify the holes in your knowledge to help you make the right decisions on your home-buying journey. A perfect example: Some streets in your favorite neighborhood may be less than ideal for you if you also enjoy peace and quiet.
5. Pick a great negotiator. Your real estate agent should be warm, compatible, and an excellent listener, but they should also be aggressive enough to secure the deals that are best for you.
Remember: Being a great negotiator doesn’t necessarily mean your agent should be a steamroller in the buying process. Instead, being a negotiator sometimes means getting along with everyone and understanding how to make everyone happy.
As Pittsburgh natives, Ted and I know the residential Pittsburgh real estate market inside and out—an advantage to both buyers and sellers. And thanks to our experience with flipping houses, we know great deals for those who are feeling ambitious! If you’re in the market, contact us at theblocks@theblocksintheburgh.com or 412.926.7976!
Cheers,
Julie & Ted