How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent

Whether you’re buying or selling a house, choosing the right real estate agent is essential. You need someone with the right qualifications and the patience to get to know you and understand your needs.

Find a Highly Recommended and Qualified Agent

When searching for a real estate agent, the best way to find a qualified person is to listen to people who have worked directly with that individual. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look for reviews online. If possible, speak with past clients directly. Ask about the agent’s experience and responsiveness and the client’s overall level of satisfaction.

Ask if the agent has taken any specialized classes or earned any industry awards. An individual with the title of REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and is committed to a Code of Ethics. Check with your state’s licensing board to ensure the real estate agent’s license is up to date and ensure that the agent has not been subject to disciplinary action.

Choose the Right Agent for You

Look for a real estate agent with a lengthy track record of success in your geographic area. That means the agent understands the local economy, housing market, school district and other factors that influence buyers’ and sellers’ decisions.

Check the agent’s website. The number of listings can give you a sense of how busy the agent is, and the type of properties and their price ranges can indicate whether the agent has experience working with clients whose needs are similar to yours.

If you want to receive phone calls only between specific hours, or if you prefer texts or emails, make that clear early on. If you and your spouse are buying or selling a house, make sure the agent knows how each of you prefers to be contacted.

Some real estate agents work with a small number of clients, while others juggle dozens at any given time. Ensure the agent you’re considering will have the time to get to know you and work effectively on your behalf. Ask if they have an assistant who can relay information if the agent is unavailable.

Many real estate agents work in teams, which can be a positive approach since each member may have expertise in a different area or handle a specific part of the buying or selling process. One potential drawback is that clients may feel that they’re being passed around. Miscommunication and confusion can arise if everyone isn’t on the same page. If your real estate agent is a team member, make sure you understand each person’s role and how everyone will communicate.

Do Your Homework

When buying or selling a house, finding the right real estate agent is critical. Do plenty of research and ask many questions to find an agent who has the experience and approach necessary to make the process as smooth as possible.