The best time to pick your Realtor is sooner rather than later - period.

Here is why. Most agents realize you could be 3, 6 or even 12 months out from being ready to take action to purchase your property. They also realize that, given the number of agents you may contact between now and then, that their chances of becoming your agent are slim.

Therefore, they probably won’t devote the time and effort required to seriously help you at this point. And that is unfortunate because this is exactly when you need the help of an experienced, professional Realtor the most.

Most likely they will have their assistant, or worse, a “virtual” assistant service, continue to “feed” you with a drip email program and newsletters until such time as the agent feels their time can be justified to help you.

This has been proven not to be in your best interests for several reasons. At this stage of your process, the help, guidance and resources of a great agent can pay huge dividends later in the transaction.

Picking the right Realtor early in the game can:

1. Streamline and shorten the sales cycle by getting the resources you need

available now

2. Create clarity of your goals and trust with the Realtor best suited to help you

3. Eliminate problems with agents maneuvering for “control” of your transaction

4. Eliminate privacy concerns if 4, 5 or even more agents have your personal

information

5. Result in your eventually saving much time, effort and probably money

You will get the service and attention you deserve up front because your Realtor will realize he or she is not just “spec-ing” their time with you. They will realize you are more sophisticated than 95% of the prospects who contact them. Your Realtor will make the commitment of time and effort upfront because there is a much higher probability of their getting paid.

It is in your best interest – and the Realtor’s best interest – to establish an agency relationship early in the property buying process.

Just make sure you have the right Realtor.