Since you will be spending a lot of time with an agent it's important you
choose one you feel comfortable with, who is responsive to your needs and who
compliments your personality. Here are some guidelines:
- Get referrals from family and friends that you trust.
- Seek out an experienced agent with a know reputation - look at
credentials, track records and awards received.
- Interview at least three agents - you will go to great lengths to find a
doctor, dentist or even a hair stylist, so don't pick the first agent that
you come in contact with.
- Seek out someone who is a member of the
Board of Realtors®
- Find someone who is continuing their education - a Certified Residential
Specialist (CRS), Certified Residential Broker (CRB), a Graduate of the
Realtors Institute (GRI) or an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) -
this shows that the Realtor is interested in the business long-term and is
willing to invest in their career.
Questions to ask when getting a referral
These questions will help you learn what you need to know about an agent:
- What were they like to deal with?
- How hard did they work for you?
- Did they get you a good price?
- Were there any complications?
- Did they always tell you the truth?
- Were they always looking out for you or just interested in getting paid?
- Would you use their services again?
Questions to ask when interviewing an agent
You should ask these questions before making a decision:
- How many buyers have you successfully represented in the last six
months? Can I have the names and phone numbers of three to six of your most
recent buyer clients?
- What professional designations do you have?
- Are you fully automated with your own personal computer, FAX machine,
copier, cell phone, voice mail, etc.?
- What is your commission? Or do you have hourly rates or a set fee?
- Do you have a list of home inspectors, insurance agents and reputable
lenders for me to consider?
- What clauses will be included in our offer to protect us as buyers?
- Will you try to sell me one of your listed properties before you show me
listings from other real estate companies?
- Do you have information about For Sale By Owner properties?
- How will you help me save money?
- How will you protect my interests, and why should I hire you rather than
another agent?
Now that you've chosen a few agents and interviewed them, ask yourself the
following questions to narrow your choice down:
- Did they return your phone calls?
- Did they ask you questions to determine what you want/need in a home?
- Did they perform a financial analysis to help you determine how much you
can afford
- Did they suggest financing methods?
- Did they seem knowledgeable about the community?
- Did they explain things clearly?
- Did you feel comfortable with them?
Whoever received the most "yes's" should be the one you choose - especially
if the last question was a definite yes!
Selecting a real estate professional
How can a
real estate professional help?
What
to expect from a real estate professional
