Tips for Selecting a Real Estate Agent

Selecting a real estate agent is an important step in the home buying process. Everyone wants to hire the best agent, but it’s not always easy to separate the posers from the real deal. The good news is that there are certain things you can check for to make sure your decision is as informed as possible.

 1. Time spent in the business

Ideally, you want a seasoned professional as your real estate agent. This means someone who’s spent several years working in the same area, and with homes in a certain price range.

2. Past disciplinary actions

Every state has a licensing board that disciplines real estate agents. It’s possible the information is readily available online, or you can check with your state’s regulatory board.

3. Credentials

The real estate world is a big place, which means that most agents are specialized in certain sectors. There are quite a few different certifications, all of which can be found after the agent’s name, and can be easily deciphered on the internet.

4. Recent clients

Former clients are a great way to get past the sales pitch of an agent. All it takes is a quick phone call to see if they had a positive experience. Ask real estate agents for the contact information of their recent clients.

5. Current listings

Do an online search and see what listings are currently being offered. Make sure the agent has listings that are similar to what you’re looking for.

6. Market engagement

If your agent can speak off the cuff about recent sales in the area, and knows useful details about different properties, that’s a good sign that they’re actively engaged with the market.

7. Awards

Usually, awards go to people who deserve them, so if your agent has a trophy room they’re probably a good bet. Any award given out by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), either at the state or local level, is a particularly good indicator that that agent will deliver.