Communication Is Not Optional
Here’s how to pick the right realtor before you sign anything. Most buyers pick a realtor the same way. A friend’s recommendation, a sign on a lawn, or whoever answered the phone first. Then they find out whether they chose well in the middle of the deal. That’s a bad time to find out.
I’ve been licensed in Nevada since 2004, and I’ve seen good agents and bad ones up close. Here’s what I’d want you to know before you hire anyone, including me.
Great communication is the one requirement I won’t bend on. Homes move fast. I’ve seen clients lose an offer because their realtor didn’t return texts or calls in time. The buyer did everything right and still lost the house because their agent wasn’t reachable at the wrong moment.
Pay attention to how quickly a realtor responds to you before you’ve hired them. If they’re slow when they’re trying to win your business, expect it to get worse once they have it.
Experience Matters More Than People Think
The deal that fell apart over contingencies
I’ve watched a deal fall apart because the agent didn’t fully understand how contingencies and timelines work. Those deadlines are not suggestions. Miss one or misread one, and a buyer can lose their deposit, their leverage, or the whole deal.
The inspection that got brushed off
I once looked over an inspection report for a buyer whose agent had told him it looked fine and not to worry about the “little” things that came up. Some of those little things were earlier signs of water damage, which can be a huge concern. By the time I saw it, it was too late for him to do anything about it.
Three weeks after he moved in, the home flooded. He ended up with a large insurance claim and major repairs.
An experienced agent knows what to look for in an inspection and what it could mean. That might not have changed the outcome, but it would have given him the chance to decide with his eyes open, or at least reduce the risk.
How to Pick the Right Realtor: Signs of a Good One
- They listen first and ask about your needs before they show you anything.
- They respond quickly and keep you updated without you having to chase them.
- They explain the process clearly and take the time to go over every part of it.
- They know contingencies, timelines, and inspections well enough to protect you from surprises.
- They give you options instead of just telling you what to do.
Signs of a Bad Realtor
- They don’t listen to what you actually need.
- They push you toward buying a home that doesn’t fit.
- They’re slow to answer your calls and texts.
- They wave off problems in the inspection instead of explaining them.
- They stay vague about what happens next.
Ask Them to Walk You Through the Whole Process
If you’re a first-time buyer, you don’t know what to ask because you don’t know what you don’t know. That’s normal. So ask one thing in your first meeting: “Can you walk me through the entire process, start to finish?”
A good realtor will give you a clear picture and take the time to go over every step, from getting started to getting the keys. If you get a rushed answer or a sales pitch instead, keep looking.
How long does it take?
The timeline is really in the buyer’s hands. It depends on when you want to move in. Once you’ve found a home, escrow typically takes 30 to 45 days, but everything is negotiable. You should know you have options, not just be told what’s going to happen.
Moving to Las Vegas? Your Realtor Should Show You the Valley
If you’re relocating from out of state, you can’t just pick a spot on a map. A good realtor will spend real time helping you learn the valley. That can mean a full day of touring different parts of town so you can see and feel the options for yourself, instead of being told where you should look.
Some agents skip this. They’d rather send listings from a distance. But you’re about to make a big move, and you deserve to make that choice based on what fits your needs, your budget, and the way you want to live, not on someone else’s opinion.
The Right Home, Not Just Any Home
That’s how I run my business at Kirby Sells LV. I listen, I explain everything, and I give you options. I’d rather you take your time and find the right home than rush into the wrong one.
If you’re thinking about moving to Las Vegas and want to talk it through, I’m happy to walk you through the whole process, no pressure.