Finding a realtor can be confusing, disheartening, and frustrating among other things. Here are a few simple rules to help you find the absolute best real estate agent for you and your housing needs:

1.       Interview Several Agents

First, make sure you interview several agents. Depending on whether you are looking for a buyers agent or a sellers agent, there are different sets of questions you may want to ask. If you are looking for a buyers agent, be sure not to rush into signing the Buyer’s agreement form without first looking at properties together. The more agents you interview, the better your ultimate choice will be.

2.       Make sure they are Licensed

Make sure your agent has all the right certifications and licenses. Bear in mind that not all real estate agents are actually realtors (which requires a license). It can often be difficult to know what you’re looking for but look online for the state in which your agent/realtor is located and check the required licenses; these may include CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative), and SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist). Reviewing the license will also let you know how long your real estate professional has been in business.

3.       Obtain references

While references do not necessarily guarantee the best realtor for you specifically, they do create some familiarity with the realtor and their previous works and successes. If you have a friend, colleague, or family member that has recently dealt with a realtor, it does not hurt to ask them a few questions to learn more before making your decision. Real Estate Agents when asked should also be able to provide their own list of references that you can call to ask about the reliability of the agent.

4.       They should be online

A good agent must be online. Most home buyers in today’s market see their homes and prospective communities online for the first time. Your agent’s profile should include pictures with each house listed. Checking the online listings will give you a better idea of how busy your realtor is, whether or not they have been successful in the past, and will also let you know that you can contact your agent via email or other online methods. It also reassures you that your agent is up-to-date.

5.       Ensure your agent in Knowledgeable

Ask your agent questions about the neighborhood in which the house of interest is located. He/she should be able to tell you about the best schools, places of interest, and the potential negatives of the area. They should also be able to provide information about other homes for sale in the area off the top of their heads. This means that they really know the area and are good at their job. Another good trick is to ask where your agent lives. If they live and work in the same general location, they have an added advantage of having personal experience and will be more knowledgeable than someone from the outside.

6.       Experienced Agents

Find out if your agent is part-time or full-time. Do they have another job to concentrate on or is this their main livelihood? If they do work full-time, ask them how long they have been working full-time. This can give you an idea of how experienced your agent is. Newcomers will not be as seasoned as someone with years in the industry.

There are many other important factors when looking for a real estate agent to help you buy or sell a house and we have just covered a few of the most important points. Please bear in mind that ultimately, you want someone who you feel you will work well with, will be available to take your questions, and will fight to make you happy. No matter who you pick, you will be taking a risk but doing the research is a good way to make the best decision possible. Good Luck!

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