Suggestions for Selecting a Real Estate Agent

The most important decision you will make in the sale of your home is the Realtor you choose. Some points to consider:

Find someone you feel comfortable with. If you don?t feel you can ask questions or go to your Realtor, you have the wrong Realtor.

DO NOT blindly walk into or call a neighborhood firm and ask for an agent at random.

Ask your friends and acquaintances for recommendations, but make your final choice based on your needs.

Your Realtor should show you research to back up any recommendations. This includes information about recent sales, current listings and recent expired listings in your neighborhood.

Look for a Realtor who tells you what he or she knows from experience in the market, and not what they think you want to hear. Flattery may sometimes get the listing, but it doesn't sell the home!

Choose a Real Estate Agent

Choose a local Realtor. He or she will know your area better than an outsider, will be seen as a source for people looking to relocate in your neighborhood., and will get better co-operation from other agents. It is likely that any amount you might save by having a friend or relative from outside the area serve as your Realtor, will be lost in their lack of knowledge about the very specific local market.

Pay attention to whether a potential agent is listening closely to what you say.

Is he or she asking follow-up questions which prompt further explanation and help him or her understand exactly your needs and wants?

Give a potential agent the opportunity to educate you.

A good agent should walk a customer through the buying or selling process before ever showing properties or discussing a specific transaction.

Have a good idea of what you expect from an agent and communicate those expectations.

How often do you want to hear from your agent?

Do you want to hold meetings at your house rather than the real estate office?

Weigh the benefits of working with an experienced agent versus a novice.

An experienced agent may have more insight, but a new agent may have innovative ideas or more energy and time.

Find an agent who complements your personality.

If you like to start your day at 7:00 a.m., don't choose an agent who arrives to the office at 10:00 a.m.

If your preferred method of communication is e-mail, don't choose an agent whose most advanced technology is a fax machine.

Evaluate the agent's firm and/or office.

Look for a real estate organization whose agents can empower you with real estate expertise and resources and provide first-rate customer service.

Look for an agent who will be your partner.

Find someone you trust, who will give you the facts, help you make intelligent, well-informed decisions and work with you throughout the entire process.

Choose a Real Estate Agent