Important Signs that Show Your Realtor is Listening
Whether you’re buying, selling or browsing homes around Minneapolis and St. Paul, navigating the Twin Cities real estate market – especially alone – is not for the faint of heart.
Right now, the real estate market in the Twin Cities is what the industry refers to as “hot” – that is, highly active with more home buyers and higher median sales prices than normal. According to recent data from top Minnesota realtors, the median sales price of homes in the Twin Cities in the spring of 2022 is 7.5% higher, or around $353,000 total, than the median sales price of homes in Minneapolis and St. Paul just one year prior. Redfin.com records that, on average, homes in Minneapolis sell after just 15 days on the market (down from 19 days one year ago) and in St. Paul they sell in 20 days (consistent to one year ago).
Working with an experienced and reliable Minnesota realtor is the surest way of not only buying or selling your home in a timely manner but getting exactly what you want. Buyers (and sellers) beware, though – not all Twin Cities realtors are looking out for your best interest. It’s not common, and it’s a shame; but some real estate agents are more interested in the commission of the sale they’ll make than in actually making the sale that’s right for you.
Following are a few signs that you’ve found a Minnesota realtor who’s really listening to you and acting in your best interest.
They Communicate in a Timely Manner
The number one complaint that most sellers and buyers have of their agents is that they aren’t responsive. If you have a good agent, you’ll never have to worry about that. A good Twin Cities realtor communicates in a timely and clear manner. One common guideline is to never let a client go unanswered for more than a day; a half-day is preferred. While it’s fair to expect many Minneapolis and St. Paul realtors to be busy with other clients and office work, ideally they’ll be available to answer phone calls or be responsive to voicemails, text messages and emails. Setting expectations early on – such as whether your agent has a preferred means of communication or if they take certain days off – will also help put your mind at ease if it feels like they’re not getting back to you fast enough.
They Ask the Right Questions
Most Minnesota realtors genuinely want to help you buy or sell a home to your satisfaction, and they’re going to ask you questions to best do that. You’ll know your realtor is really listening to you, though, by the types of questions they ask and the depth of those questions. “How many bedrooms would you like?” and “how many bathrooms do you need?” are pretty typical questions with easily accommodated answers. “What kind of neighborhood would you like to live in?” and “Are you hoping to grow your family in this home?” are poignant questions demanding detailed answers that show your realtor is really invested in the purchase you’re considering making and the future you’re hoping to create. A good Twin Cities realtor will also remember your answers and may follow up on them later on. This is an obvious sign that your agent is listening to you!
They Really Stick to Your Budget (or Asking Amount)
In a “hot” market (also known as a “seller’s market” because sales favor the seller), sticking to a budget can be really difficult. Many sellers are receiving multiple offers at amounts well above the asking price, making competition for a home very stiff. Whether you’re buying or selling, a Minneapolis/St. Paul-area realtor who is really listening to you will recognize your budget and do their best to work within it. If your budget is conservative, you may find that options are fewer and the ones available go fast. A good realtor will remain optimistic and keep you motivated even when you may feel discouraged. It’s possible your agent may find a home that meets your criteria but is outside your budget; in that case, they may ask if you’re interested in considering it. But – if they’re really looking out for your best interest – they won’t pressure you into making a decision you’re not comfortable with.
Work with Dane Jensen – the Minneapolis Realtor Who Listens to You
Dane Jensen of Compass Wayzata in Minneapolis was born and raised in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. As a top realtor in the Twin Cities real estate market, his passion for real estate has been lifelong, and he believes that a person’s home is their sanctuary and a reflection of themself. “I am passionate about helping others find their oasis,” he says, “and the gratitude and fulfillment I get from helping people with their dream home is truly what motivates me.” Contact Dane Jensen today to get started finding your oasis, your sanctuary, your dream home.