As spring rapidly approaches, the real estate market is heating up.
The week of April 13–19 is the best time to sell, according to a new report by Realtor.com® economists.
More buyers are anticipated to check out Realtor.com listings that week, with a typical listing drawing 17.7% more views than during an average week.
A typical seller should expect to see their home snapped up 17%—or 9 days—faster during the week of April 13–19, as well.
As the pace of the market picks up, it’s more important than ever for homebuyers to work with a knowledgeable real estate agent who knows local neighborhoods like the back of their hand. If you have questions about an area, it’s crucial they have the answers.
So how can you tell whether your real estate agent is a bona fide neighborhood expert? Here are 10 key pieces of information they should know:
1. They call out neighborhood highlights
Your agent calls out things, big and small, that they love about the neighborhood to give you a well-rounded view of why it really is the best place to call home.
“Having lived in Nashville my whole life, I know a lot about the neighborhoods and nearby towns,” says Dylan Calvo of the Calvo Team in Nashville, TN. “I can tell you what stands out—like this area usually has more land acreage for each house, or this one is more economical. A lot of my clients have questions about restrictions in the neighborhoods, which I can answer.”
2. They point out nearby eats and drinks
Your real estate agent knows enough about local restaurants, bars, and hiking trails to give you an insider’s view of the neighborhood.
“When it comes to real estate, knowing the neighborhood is more than just memorizing ZIP codes—it’s about understanding the rhythm of daily life, the best spots to grab coffee, and where the hidden gems are,” says Jeremy Smith, real estate adviser at Engel & Völkers Atlanta. “I don’t cook—like, at all—so I’ve made it my mission to know every top-tier restaurant, cozy cafe, and hole-in-the-wall dive bar in town.”
3. They know where to get neighborhood safety stats
How safe is the neighborhood? What are the crime rates? And is there a neighborhood watch? When you’re gathering that information, your real estate agent can point you in the right direction.
“I refer buyers to the local law enforcement for the town or area they are looking in, as well as encourage them to get onto social media groups in a community to get a sense of what people are discussing with regard to safety issues,” says Cara Ameer, a bicoastal real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in Florida and California.
4. They can speak to the commute
Commuting is a key factor in deciding which neighborhood to live in, so your agent should be able to tell you about important things to know—including proximity to freeways and highways, and public transit options.
“I start with a visual map and show my clients where the highways are, and the roads going both east and west,” says Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO and broker at Echo Fine Properties in Palm Beach, FL. “I also show my clients where shopping centers and grocery stores are. I had an older client last week who was concerned about proximity to local hospitals, so that’s also something I always point out, as well.”
5. They’re up on local news
Your real estate agent should be on top of local news, city council meetings, and more to share the intel of what developments are coming in the neighborhood—and what effect they may have.
“I firmly believe in being an active part of the community in which I work and live, so I am involved with local community organizations, including sitting on the board of a local business improvement district,” says says Nikki Beauchamp, an associate broker with Sotheby’s International Realty in New York City. “This way, I can provide advisory guidance to my clients.”
6. They fill you in on the school district
Your agent should ideally have already dug into the local data of schools in the neighborhood to be able to rank them by quality and performance—which will help you choose what school district is best for your family (and your future resale value).
“For families, school districts aren’t just important for their kids—they’re a major factor in resale value,” says Smith. “Whether it’s top-rated public schools, private institutions, or charter schools, I help my clients understand what’s nearby and why it matters.”
7. They know about pet-friendly amenities
If you have pets, your agent should be able to tell you which neighborhoods are the most pet-friendly, and what local amenities (such as dog parks) are available for your furry family members.
“People prioritize their pets quite a bit, so I definitely highlight this kind of information—especially as a dog owner myself,” says Robert Dodson, sales manager and broker at Charles Burt Realtors in Joplin, MO.
“I try to connect people to local pet resources such as the humane societies that have inexpensive vaccine and spay/neuter clinics. I also like to give people information about local training programs and socialization classes, as well.”
8. They’re neighborhood history buffs
It’s a bonus if your real estate agent can tell you a little bit about the neighborhood’s history. How did the neighborhood come to be in the first place, and what year was it founded or built?
“If you have an agent that is a true expert, their knowledge is vast in scope—meaning they have insights on the area’s history, growth trends, and how property values have evolved over time,” says real estate agent Kate Terrigno, of Corcoran HM Properties in Charlotte, NC.
9. They’re seasonal savants
Your agent should be able to tell you if a neighborhood does anything special for holidays or seasons, or if it hosts its own annual or biannual celebrations. If you’re expected to participate in a holiday light fight, for instance, that would be nice to know beforehand!
“I do like to highlight these types of holiday and seasonal events, because they are of particular interest to me,” says Dodson.
10. They know all the local contractors
Your agent should have the top neighborhood landscapers, movers, and contractors on speed dial, so you can get those details when the time comes.
“One of the benefits of working with me is access to my Rolodex of trusted providers, in many areas, directly or indirectly related to the sale or purchase of a home,” says Beauchamp.
This post was originally published on www.realtor.com
