What to Look for in a Real Estate Professional

Century 21 American Properties

1935 Lejeune Blvd

Jacksonville, NC 28546

charlotte@charlottepate.com

910-330-1424 Direct/Text  

• 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 show 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 the 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!

Charlotte's Web Home