Your home is the largest investment you may make. Whether you are purchasing or selling a home or investment property, you need the right realtor to ensure that you maximize your investment. Finding the right realtor requires more than just searching “realtor for Woodlands and Houston area.”

Set Your Goals

Determine what you want. For example, do you want a low-maintenance yard, or do you want no yard? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want? Do you want an attached or single-family home? Determine your desired square footage and any special features, such as office space or bonus rooms. Also, write down your budget, and stick within it.

Choose a Local

Find realtors who know your area. They should know neighborhood characteristics and which areas have the greatest return on investment. Discuss your desired lifestyle so the realtor can find locations that meet those desires. For example, a family that likes to be outdoors and enjoy nature shouldn’t be placed in a high rise or neighborhood with no green space.

Get Referrals

Ask people in your desired neighborhood who they worked with. Discuss their experiences and whether they would recommend their realtor to you. Also, ask family and friends, coworkers and others you do business with, such as bankers and accountants. Anyone who has recently purchased a home can be a valuable resource.

However, do some additional research. Read online reviews and the realtors’ websites. Contact the local chamber of commerce and Better Business Bureau. Look for “for sale” signs on homes in the areas you are interested in.

Interview Prospects

Ask your realtor prospects about their experience, association memberships and how many homes they have listed and clients they are working with to ensure they have the experience, resources and time to work with you. Ask about their processes and communication methods and regularity. Observe their treatment of you and whether they seem to fit with your personality. Clearly outline your realtor expectations and get your terms in writing.

Whether you are purchasing a home or investment property, do the legwork to find the right realtor.