How to Shop for a
Real Estate Agent that’s Right for You
Buying
or selling a home can be exciting.
But,
it can also be a mixture of fear, anxiety and anticipation because it means a
new chapter in your life.
So,
choosing the right real estate agent is one of the first things to consider
when making a move.
While
friends and family may refer real estate agent to you, their home buying or
selling needs are probably different than yours. The internet is a good way to do your
research, but consider it a starting point in your search for a real estate
agent that represents your interests.
First
of all, there are many intangibles that you’ll need to consider:
o
Is the agent’s personality compatible with
yours?
o
Do you “sense” they are honest and
trustworthy?
o
Does the agent have a clear understanding of
your objectives and needs?
o
Do they have a list of referrals that you can
call to get their opinion?
Secondly,
here are the some things for you to verify when shopping for an agent to
represent you:
Licensing – While a real estate
agent must pass certain tests and must be licensed by the state, you should
also check to make sure their license is valid and in good standing. Have they had any complaints filed against
them?
National Association
of Realtors® – Not
all real estate agents can call themselves Realtors® unless they belong to this
association and agree to be bound by their “code of ethics.” It’s an additional layer of protection for
consumers.
Education &
Specialization – It’s
important that real estate agents continue their education. They can also take courses if they’d like to
“specialize” in certain categories of a real estate practice, like “short
sales/foreclosures” or “senior housing.”
Ask if the person has any educational designations and what areas of
real estate they special in.
Local Knowledge – A good agent will
have local information at their fingertips, including housing trends, how many
houses on the market versus the percent sold, sales price trends, local crime
stats, school and shopping information and a list of professionals that they do
business with to help make your real estate transaction as seamless as
possible.
Experience – While a certain
amount of experience is important, it should be only one of the things to
consider. I’ve known of experienced
agents who become lazy after years of selling real estate, and I’ve seen newer
agents who are highly motivated and eager to earn your business in hopes of
future referrals.
While
this info is not all inclusive, if you are thinking of buying a home or selling
the one you already own, please rely on me to recommend 3 or 4 agents for you
to interview, so you can choose the one that you can relate to and will
understand your real estate needs. 
