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Choosing Your Real Estate Agent

As a potential home buyer or seller, you'll probably get plenty of unsolicited advice about how to go about the entire process. But you may be on your own when it comes to choosing your agent. Try these tips for finding the real estate agent that's right for you and your family.

Look while time is on your side

In the middle of a job transfer or after the baby comes, you may not have the time or energy to carefully collect the information you need.

Gather names from several sources

Check with your family attorney, CPA and other local professionals that you know and trust to create a list of real estate agents, not real estate companies. Then check this list with coworkers, friends or relatives for any 1st hand experience they may have had (good or not so good).

Check credentials and certifications

A search on the Internet should tell you if a Realtor is a current member of the national, state and local "Association of Realtors". National Association certified Realtors will have one or more designations after their name. This will mean they have had three or more years of advanced training and have passed one or more required examinations.

Ask questions

1. Are you currently accepting new clients?
2. What towns or areas do you cover?
3. Do you represent Buyers, Sellers or both?
4. What is your availability for scheduling appointments for us?
5. How can I reach you quickly and at what hours?
6. Who provides coverage for your clients when you aren't available?
7. Do you conduct a 1st interview with us before starting the process?
8. Is personal contact always necessary or can we communicate through the Internet or an assistant of yours?

Make an appointment

This initial meeting will help you decide whether you're comfortable with the agent, the support staff and the facilities. Bring up issues that are important to you, such as timing, confidentiality, level of communication desired, and assistance from other real estate related services you may or may not want.

Think ahead

You won't be looking at properties or showing your home forever. When it's time for the next step, is the Realtor familiar with all the issues, paperwork, legal concerns and contingencies that are specific to preparing and especially negotiating a binding "Offer to Purchase."

It's important that you and your family feel comfortable with the agent that will be representing you in one of the most important and expensive transactions in your life. Meet and interview as many agents as needed until you find the one that's right for you.