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7 Tips to Help You Find the Right Real Estate Agent for You

Relocating to Charlotte? Here's How to Find the Right Real Estate Agent for You

Author: Jamie Milam

Date: September 25, 2024

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Relocating to a new city can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. The prospect of starting fresh, having all new activities to explore, and creating a new life is exciting, but the process of finding the right home in an unfamiliar place often comes with its own set of challenges. That’s why partnering with the right real estate agent is so crucial—it’s about more than just finding a house; it’s about finding someone who understands your goals, listens to your needs, aligns with your values, and guides you through every step of the journey.

When you’re moving to a new city like Charlotte, NC, you need an agent who can provide local expertise, support you emotionally, and help you feel confident about such a big life change. And there are certainly things that you should discuss with your Realtor® when relocating, but there are things your agent should also be proactively asking you too. This blog post will walk you through what to look for when choosing a real estate agent, with a focus on ensuring they understand you and your unique journey. I'll share with you bits about one of my client's relocation experience - in her own words. And in case you're thinking about a move to Charlotte, I’ll share a bit about how I integrate these tips into my own real estate practice. You never know, maybe we’d be a good fit!

Does Your Agent Get to Know You?

A great agent isn’t just focused on the transaction; they’re focused on you; they put your needs first. One of the most important aspects of a successful relocation is having an agent who asks the right questions—about your lifestyle, your preferences, and even the future you’re envisioning in your new city.

The agent you choose should want to dig deep to truly understand what you’re looking for. What type of community do you want to live in? Do you prefer a bustling urban area or a quiet suburban neighborhood? Are schools, commute times, or outdoor spaces your top priority? Your agent should be asking these questions—and more. When you tell them you need a fence or an office space, are they asking you why that component is important to you? They should be curious about you, not just about making a sale.

Personally, I ask a lot of questions because it’s essential for me to understand why certain things matter to my clients. The more I know about their motivations, the better I can tailor the home search and neighborhood suggestions to align with their needs. As an example, when a homebuyer tells me they want a bonus/flex room, I ask them how they envision using that space. Wanting a bonus room large enough to hold a pool table or create a home theater gives me an indication of the size we're looking for, making it easier for me to rule out some homes based on their floor plans. If they tell me it's for a play area for the kids, then I know we may be able to open up our options to include open loft spaces as well. It's not just about finding a house, it’s about finding the right home for your life.

In Marti's Words:

Contracts and Agreements—Are You Informed?

Real estate can be filled with paperwork, from agency agreements and purchase contracts to state-required disclosures. A key trait of a strong real estate agent is the ability to educate you on these documents before you sign. Too often, buyers are handed forms without any real explanation, and that can lead to confusion or misunderstandings later.

Plus, every state handles real estate transactions with a different set of rules, laws and industry practices. The new state you're headed to may be very different than what you've experienced in the past or what you've planned for based on how your current state manages real estate sales. Clarity is power when it comes to being educated on what is expected of a buyer when it comes to elements like deposit amounts, your due diligence period for inspections, and even what defines "closing" on the sale. Proactive preparation reduces your financial risk later in the transaction.

I always take the time to explain the agreements in detail. For instance, in North Carolina, there are specific contract elements that might differ from your home state. Understanding things like our non-refundable Due Diligence Fee or Inspection Period is essential to navigating the purchase successfully. Your agent should make you feel confident in what you're signing—and they should never rush the process.

Market Knowledge & Experience Matters

When choosing an agent, you want someone who not only understands the current market but also has the experience to back it up. Knowledge of local trends is important, but that knowledge is often shaped by years of navigating different markets, understanding what makes an offer stand out, and knowing how to negotiate effectively. The right agent will be able to offer strategies based on real-life experience and help you choose one that aligns with the goals you've shared with them.

I always say, my job is to advise and assist. I’ll advise you on the pros and cons of different strategies and explain the nuances of contracts, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your options. Then, I assist you in making the best decision for you. After all, how can an agent truly advise you if they don’t have enough experience or the right professional network to anticipate those pros and cons?

For example, in Charlotte, things like deposit amounts, closing timelines, and even inspection periods can make a huge difference when negotiating a deal. If your agent knows how to use these components strategically, it’s a sign they’ll work in your best interest. That’s the kind of expertise you need—someone who can guide you not just with knowledge, but with seasoned experience.

When I work with buyers, I make sure they understand not just the numbers but also the nuances of how their offer might be received by the seller. Since I work with both buyers and sellers, I can offer a perspective from the listing side to help buyers understand how to best present our negotiations. Knowing what sellers prioritize—and how they’re likely to respond—allows me to tailor our approach so that your offer not only stands out but is also well-positioned for success, then navigate any further contract negotiations strategically to ensure you make it to the closing table.

Does Your Agent Provide Resources to Help You Get Acquainted?

Relocating is more than just finding a home—it’s about finding the right community. That’s why it’s important to choose an agent who goes beyond the listings to provide tools and resources that help you explore the area. Neighborhoods, local amenities, and even home styles are all personal, subjective, preferences.

After I’ve had an initial phone consultation with my relocation clients, I often provide them with an itinerary of neighborhoods and key locations to visit when they come to town. This includes specific addresses to scope out, whether it's their first exploratory trip to Charlotte or their first full day in the city here on a buying trip. This personalized guide helps them understand which areas resonate most with their needs, whether they want proximity to parks, certain school districts, or trendy dining scenes. I also have a Charlotte City Guide that is a great resource for anyone looking to explore the Queen City.

This step is essential for narrowing down where you want to live, and your agent should be offering this kind of support to make the transition smoother.

In Marti's Words:

Leverage Your Current Network

If you’re selling a home in your current city, consider asking your local agent for a referral. Since they already understand your communication style and priorities, they can recommend someone in Charlotte who aligns with your needs. Plus, this can be an opportunity to help your current agent's business by allowing them to receive a referral fee from the new agent if they’re able to connect you. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

I'm so grateful that Marti's agent, Jim, reached out to learn more about me and my style of business practice. His intuition that I'd work well with Marti was right. Similarly, when I refer a client out to one of my agent partners across the nation, I am intentional about who I narrow it down to, based on what my client is looking for and if that agent has experience with that type of property, in that area and in that price point - in addition to communication and personality styles. And because the "right fit" is still a subjective matter, that's why I provide two to three referrals like Jim did.

Additionally, you could look for reviews, testimonials, and even referrals from friends or colleagues who have moved to Charlotte. A proven track record is a critical factor in choosing an agent to help you with your relocation. However, it’s important to remember that not every recommendation will match your needs. If someone loved their agent, ask why—what made their experience so positive? Are those factors aligned with what matters to you?

Tips to find realtor when moving to a new city

Flexibility and Adaptability

When relocating, you may be coordinating between time zones or have limited availability to visit properties in person. An agent who is adaptable will offer solutions like virtual tours, video walkthroughs, or flexible scheduling. This flexibility allows you to make informed decisions even if you’re not physically present in Charlotte.

I always do my best to make myself available to accommodate my clients’ schedules, whether it’s providing virtual showings, doing video calls during inspections, or managing deadlines when they can’t be here in person. The right agent will do the same for you.

A Strong Local Network

Relocating to a new city means building a new network, and your agent should help with that. A well-connected agent can introduce you to trusted local vendors like contractors, movers, or inspectors—people you may need almost immediately after you arrive.

In Charlotte, I maintain a strong network of professionals that I trust to support my clients through the transition. Whether it’s finding someone to help with renovations or setting up utilities, having these connections can make your move smoother.

In Marti's Words:

At the end of the day, choosing the right real estate agent for your relocation to Charlotte isn’t just about checking off a list of qualifications or who has the most sales. It’s about finding someone who listens to you, understands your vision, and is willing to go the extra mile to help you achieve it. When you find an agent who aligns with your needs, the process becomes less daunting and much more rewarding.

Your move to Charlotte is an exciting new chapter—let’s make sure you have the right partner by your side to guide you through it.

If you're thinking about making a move to the Queen City and you'd like to have a pressure-free conversation to see if I'd be a good fit to partner with, please feel free to reach out to schedule a consultation.

To choosing the right partnerships,

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About Me

I'm Jamie Milam, a determined AF woman who's embraced life after divorce by finding peace through self-awareness, intentional decision-making, and thrilling new travel adventures.

As a Realtor® in Charlotte, NC (and your connection to top agents nationwide), I’m passionate about guiding you through your homeownership and design goals—while also helping you create space for the things you love. My mission is to empower you to create a life of alignment too - at home, abroad, and within.

Whether it’s through real estate tips, home design inspiration, or solo travel experiences for divorced, independent women, I hope this space encourages you to discover deeper self-awareness and build a life that aligns with your passions and needs.

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Jamie Milam is a Realtor® in the Charlotte, NC area, licensed in both NC & SC, and has the ability to refer you to a number of agent partners across the nation, regardless of where you may live. She is an enthusiast for the power of awareness and believes it can be used in all facets of life to support aligned living.

**Disclosure** This post may contain affiliate links and they are at no additional cost to you, though I may earn a small commission. Don't worry, I only recommend products or services that I have tried or believe would be of great value to you! All opinions expressed are those of my own!