Choosing a Realtor

Choosing a realtor to work with from among the many available realtors is not always an easy task. Start off the process by asking friends, acquaintances, and co-workers for referrals. Then drive around the area you are interested in purchasing your house in and see if one agent has a lot of listings in the type of house you are looking to purchase. If you go to a real estate office that has several agents, they likely (by design or default) have areas that they specialize in.

Ask which agents are the specialists in the type of home you are looking for, as they likely have better insights into that part of the market. For example if you are looking for a high rise condo unit you will get better advice from someone who knows the current ins and outs of the market. Further, in larger markets the agent may further specialize in price ranges so you could end up with an agent that specializes in say - high-end high-rise condos.

When your research has uncovered three, four or five agents that you think are up to the job, interview them one at a time until you find one you are comfortable with. However, keep in mind that you are hiring a person to help you make one of the most important, and expensive, decisions you will have to make. Shop around for an individual who you get along with but shows professionalism in his/her real estate dealings. You are looking for an expert in the real estate business to assist you, not a new friend.

• Check out the agents credentials to help you determine his/her areas of expertise. Some common designations: CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist), ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), CRP (Certified Relocation Professional), CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) and CRP (Certified Relocation Professional). There are many designations pursued through continuing education, so look for one or more that will benefit you.
• Is the agent working full time in the field?
• Does the agent take the time to listen to you, so as to find out as much as possible about your needs and wants in a home?
• Is the agent knowledgeable and able to explain to you any questions you might have about the buying process.
• Has the agent the type of personality that you can work with. If you like a laid back approach and the agent is an aggressive sales person you may find that you are unable to have a satisfactory business relationship with them.
• Look for an honest realtor that is willing to point out the negatives in a listing as well as the positives. Some negatives may not be apparent to you, especially if you are not familiar with the area, the agent should be honest enough to caution you on these items. You don’t want an agent that is pressuring you to buy so they can pick up a quick commission.
• Is the agent willing and able to work when you are available. If for example you are mainly available on weekends is the agent going to have a problem showing you houses on Saturday and Sunday.
• During the house buying period how often will you hear from the agent to keep you informed of any progress? How often will the agent present newly listed properties to you for your consideration?
• Can the agent offer additional services? Can she/he help you with the mortgage process, the home inspection process, a home value assessment or knowledgeable legal services?
• Avoid “dual agencies”. These are agencies that represent both the buyer and the seller. There may a conflict of interest with a person when dealing with someone trying to represent both the buyer and seller.

Talk money. Make sure that you understand how much (if anything) you are responsible for paying.