Find A Reputable & Hyperlocal Real Estate Brokerage

Relocating to a new town or city, not to mention a new state can be very exhilarating, but it naturally might also fill you with angst. The more preparation you can do before the big move, the easier the transition. By reading this and future additions of our relocation guide, you can ease into the transition, lower the stress, and maybe even enjoy the idea of a new adventure.

 

If you are planning to move to West Michigan, we at 616 REALTY want to first say, “Congratulations!” Secondly, here is one of the most important steps you can take to make the move an easy one, or at least a less stressful and more exciting one--find a reputable and hyper local real estate brokerage to work with.  How do you do that?

Research and cyber stalk 

Relocation 3

The first plan of action is to use the internet to find local brokerages. Remember that many of the top 10 are paying Google to show their brokerage first. This doesn’t mean they are reputable or local, it just means they have a bigger marketing budget. Read the description and look for phrases like “locally owned” and “local experts.” Avoid the national chains that are often more about dollars than locality and service.

 

Now, do some stalking of the brokerages that stand out to you. Most of the time cyberstalking has a negative connotation, but it is important that your team on the ground in your location is one that knows the area, has the same values, and appears to have a culture that you vibe with.

 

Keep in mind when you are moving that you need someone you can trust and relate to because they will be your eyes, ears, and partners on the ground as you search for a perfect place to live in a timely manner. Choosing wisely can be the difference between living in a hotel long-term, renting an overpriced apartment for the short term, or worst yet, choosing the wrong home in the wrong neighborhood.

 

Here are some things to look for as you search online:

  • Look at their website first. Are they hyperlocal? Do they seem to know the neighborhoods in the city that you are moving to? Do they appear to have a pulse on the market?
  • Find out if they are local or national.
  • Look at their social accounts including Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin. Based on what they are posting, do they seem to be a good fit for you and your family?
  • Do a Google search, and check out their Google Reviews. See if they have any negative reviews. If they do, read their responses (those can be more telling than the complaints).

Once you have found a few brokers that seem like a good fit it is important to see if a particular brokerage is registered with NAR, the National Association of Realtors. Not every reputable brokerage is listed, but in your best interest and to help stack your odds in your favor, it is a good idea to choose one that is registered.

Meet them

616 Realty Agent, Eldon Palmer
616 Realty Agent, Eldon Palmer

You can’t really know whether a real estate agency is for you until you meet them face-to-facel. Make it a priority to set up a Zoom with 3-4 brokerages. Ask them how long they have been in the area and in business. Get some background on what they know about the area. Ask about the number of agents they have and the personnel they have to help you find a home and process your transaction.

A local brokerage with a great reputation will also ask you all the right questions that will get you into the right neighborhood and home that meets your expectations and needs, for example:

  • What are your primary needs for your residence?
  • Do you want to be in an area that is known for a lot of restaurants, pubs, and nightlife?
  • Will you need to be somewhere close to public transportation or do you want a walking neighborhood?
  • Do you want to be in a family-oriented area that is quiet and filled with people pushing strollers and walking their dogs?
  • Do you want an up-and-coming neighborhood where you can get into a home for less and make the home your own?
  • Do you need it to be turn-key?

Relocating is a huge undertaking, but if you have the right team to help you, it can be smooth sailing. Consider 616 REALTY for your neighborhood and home search. We are locally founded by Scot Kellogg who grew up in West Michigan and who has lived here most of his life. The 80+ agents at 616 REALTY are real and genuine, and most of them grew up or have lived in West Michigan for a greater part of their lives. They also have an office team dedicated to making your relocation easier! The whole team at 616 REALTY not only know the area, but they love it, and they want you to love it too. They will be able to answer all your real estate market questions and help you find the perfect place to minimize your relocation stress.

Contact 616 REALTY today!