5 Qualities of a Great Winnetka Realtor

When searching for or selling Winnetka real estate, a successful sale is best achieved with the professional help of a realtor. Interviewing candidates to get to know their experience and personal demeanor is essential to choosing a realtor who’s the right fit. Quality services can have a serious impact on how smoothly a home transaction goes. When deciding which realtor to choose, look out for the five qualities below.

A great realtor will always put the client’s needs first, as their services are to help a client with their home transaction. They’ll take time to understand a client’s goals, then work towards those goals no matter what they are. To ensure they’re on the same page with their client, a realtor will ask follow-up and clarifying questions. For example, a realtor may ask a seller questions about their time frame for the sale and why they’re selling. A realtor working with a buyer will clarify their needs regarding a property and a location, as well as their motivations for buying.

To prioritize a client’s needs, a realtor should have stellar communication skills in place. They’ll take the time to learn their client’s preferred communication style, then communicate regularly to keep them updated on the process. For buyers, a realtor will send listings that align with their goals, send dates for showings and open houses, and the state of offer efforts. For sellers, an agent can remind clients of important dates, home showings, and more. If a client has questions, a realtor should be available to answer them quickly and thoroughly.

Another important quality of a great Winnetka realtor is a complete knowledge of the local market. Market trends have a large impact on the types of offers a buyer and seller can expect to make and receive. When inventory is high and buyer demand is low, buyers have more opportunities to negotiate with sellers for a lower price and contingencies. However, when inventory is very low and buyer demand is high, it can spark bidding wars and appreciating prices, which benefits sellers. Knowing what trends are and how they’ll change is helpful in timing an offer.

Buyers searching for Winnetka real estate who don’t know the area well rely on their realtor to be a local guide. A realtor should have area information at the ready, explaining features of a town like the essential services nearby, school districts that serve the area, shopping centers, restaurants, entertainment, and more. They should also be able to compare different neighborhoods of a single town to help buyers select an area that best aligns with their lifestyle.

In the Village of Winnetka, a local realtor will be familiar with the area’s perks, like its nearby beaches along the North Shore of Lake Michigan, the four shopping districts in the area, as well as the easy commute to Chicago. A realtor will know about Winnetka’s renowned schools and parks for buyers with families and can tell buyers about the community’s overall character and charm. Residents also enjoy amenities offered by the Winnetka Park District, such as its indoor tennis club, forest preserve, and boat launch.

A great realtor will go the extra mile if the home transaction process goes sideways or if they notice their client is having a challenging time. A good realtor is always on the hunt for a listing that a buyer might like, ensuring their client doesn’t miss an opportunity. A realtor representing a seller should be on the lookout for potential buyers, using their network of connections to ask buyers’ agents about home searchers in the area. Whether it be taking the extra time to help a seller stage a home or empathizing with a buyer when the process gets emotional, a realtor should be there for you.

A perfect home transaction with zero problems can be a rarity. If problems do arise, it’s important to have a realtor who acts without prompting. A realtor will know how to address common hiccups of the process, following well-practiced steps to resolve the issue quickly. For novel issues, an agent has the resources to problem-solve a solution, keeping their client updated with actions taken.

To close on an offer that suits their client’s best interests, a realtor should be a skilled negotiator. They’ll have effective tactics they’ve used several times before. A realtor navigates negotiations confidently and assertively, keeping a clear head and a quick mind when thinking of counteroffers that will appease everybody. When disagreements arise, a realtor will know where to be flexible and when to hold their ground.

For buyers, a realtor will make sure factors like contingencies are in place to protect them if something is wrong with the property. For sellers, an agent can make sure a buyer isn’t lowballing an offer. If the negotiation process becomes ineffective, a realtor knows when to walk away from an offer and start the process elsewhere for a better chance of success.

A quality realtor has their clients’ backs, making sure their client can be heard in the process and guiding them through a home transaction with accurate information. They offer advice, will do extra to make sure their clients are well taken care of, and negotiate the best offer. When you’re ready to search for Winnetka homes, contact experienced local agent Karen Stroble to guide you through it.


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