How to Get Started with a Broker
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make and working with a qualified real estate broker can make all the difference. A broker provides expertise, market knowledge, and full-service support to ensure a smooth, successful transaction. If you’re ready to begin your real estate journey, here’s everything you need to know about getting started with a broker.
Step 1: Understand the Role of a Broker
A real estate broker is more than just an agent—they have advanced education, licensing, and experience, allowing them to provide a higher level of guidance and oversight in your transaction. Brokers are responsible for ensuring contracts are legally sound, negotiating the best terms, and protecting your interests throughout the process.
When you work with a broker-led team like Dream Realty, you benefit from expert leadership, a deep understanding of the local market, and a hands-on approach to every detail of your transaction.
Learn more about why you should work with a broker HERE.
Step 2: Know What to Look for in a Broker
Not all brokers are the same. To find the best fit for your real estate needs, consider these key qualities:
Experience & Track Record – How long has the broker been in business? What is their success rate?
Local Market Knowledge – Do they specialize in the areas where you are buying or selling?
Communication & Responsiveness – Are they easy to reach? Do they provide clear, honest answers?
Negotiation Skills – Can they effectively advocate for you to get the best price and terms?
Client Reviews & Reputation – What do past clients say about their experience working with them?
Support & Resources – Do they have a strong network of lenders, inspectors, and other professionals?
At Dream Realty, our broker-led team has over 20 years of experience helping buyers and sellers navigate the real estate market with confidence. Read our testimonials HERE.
Step 3: Ask the Right Questions
Before choosing a broker, set up a consultation and ask key questions to ensure they’re the right fit for you.
Questions for Buyers to Ask a Broker:
How familiar are you with the areas I’m looking to buy in?
What is your experience negotiating in competitive markets?
Can you explain the home-buying process and timeline?
What resources do you provide to help me find the right home?
How will you assist me in making a competitive offer?
Questions for Sellers to Ask a Broker:
How will you market my home to attract the right buyers?
What pricing strategy do you recommend based on my home and the market?
How will you negotiate on my behalf to maximize my home’s value?
What steps should I take to prepare my home for listing?
How long do your listings typically stay on the market?
Pro Tip: Choose a broker who is honest, transparent, and truly invested in your success.
Step 4: Schedule a Consultation
Once you’ve done your research and found a broker you trust, schedule a consultation to discuss your real estate goals. At Dream Realty, we offer a no-obligation consultation to help you understand the process, answer your questions, and create a personalized plan tailored to your needs.
What to Expect During Your Initial Meeting with Dream Realty
Your first meeting with a real estate broker is an important step in your home buying or selling journey. At Dream Realty, we take the time to understand your needs, provide expert guidance, and develop a clear plan to help you achieve your real estate goals. Here’s what we’ll cover during our initial consultation:
Assess Your Real Estate Goals and Timeline
We begin by getting to know you and understanding your unique real estate needs. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, we’ll discuss:
Your goals – Are you looking for your dream home, downsizing, or selling for top dollar?
Your timeline – Do you need to move quickly, or are you planning for a future purchase/sale?
Your must-haves and deal-breakers – What features are most important in your next home?
Any challenges or concerns – Are you unsure about financing, market conditions, or pricing?
By outlining your specific goals upfront, we can create a customized strategy to match your needs and ensure a smooth experience.
Explain How We Can Best Support You
At Dream Realty, we go beyond the basics to provide full-service support throughout the buying or selling process.
We will:
Walk you through the entire real estate process so you know exactly what to expect
Discuss how we handle negotiations to get you the best price and terms
Explain our broker-led approach, ensuring expert guidance at every step
Highlight the resources and tools we offer, including financing assistance, home searches, staging tips, and more
Answer any questions or concerns you may have about the process
We want you to feel fully confident in our ability to represent your best interests and make your real estate journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Provide Insights on the Local Market
A successful real estate transaction depends on understanding the current market conditions.
During our consultation, we will:
Provide an overview of market trends in your desired area
Discuss home values and pricing strategies for buyers and sellers
Share recent sales data to help you make informed decisions
Identify opportunities and challenges in the current real estate landscape
Our deep local market expertise ensures you get the most accurate, up-to-date information so you can make the best choices for your investment.
Outline the Steps to Move Forward
Once we’ve established your goals and market insights, we’ll create a clear action plan to help you take the next steps. Depending on whether you’re buying or selling, this may include:
For Buyers:
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage (if needed)
Setting up custom home searches based on your criteria
Scheduling property showings at your convenience
Reviewing the offer process and key negotiation strategies
For Sellers:
Conducting a home valuation to determine your property’s worth
Outlining a marketing strategy to attract the right buyers
Preparing your home for listing (staging, repairs, photography, etc.)
Setting a timeline for listing, showings, and closing
By the end of the meeting, you’ll have a clear roadmap for moving forward with confidence.
Take the Next Step with Dream Realty
Your real estate journey starts with the right team by your side. At Dream Realty, we’re committed to making the process smooth, successful, and even enjoyable.
Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, our expert guidance and personalized approach will ensure you feel confident every step of the way.
Don’t navigate the real estate market alone - reach out today for a consultation and let’s turn your real estate dreams into reality!