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Selecting a REALTOR

Finding a REALTOR®: There are several ways to go about finding a good real estate agent.  A few things to keep in mind while you're making your decision:

• Select a REALTOR.  All licensed real estate agents are not REALTORS®.  REALTORS® are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, the world's largest professional association. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. 
• Select a productive agent.  An active agent will be aware of the trends and can help you get the "Highest Possible Price" for your property.
• Choose a person that you feel comfortable working with.  You have to work with someone you can talk to and even respect.  If you can't communicate with your agent, you will not be able to share your needs and desires to them.  However, you don't have to be friends with your agent, after all, you are probably not friends with your dentist or doctor.
• Interview agents until you find the right one.  Different brokers offer different services, you may have to get more than one opinion.  It's best to meet the agent at their office or your home, as long as you can concentrate during your meeting.  It's not possible to properly interview an agent while assisting your children or answering your telephone. 
• Choose an agent you can reach.  Try to make sure that you can reach the agent that you select.  If the agent is not available, leave them a message including your telephone numbers.  Find out what priority they put on different calls.  You should be able to reach your agent as well as buyers and other agents that will inquire about your property.  Some agent, although highly qualified, may not have the time to properly manage the sale of your home.  Everyone has limitations, and you need to make sure that the agent you select is not working with to many prospects, has plans to take an extended vacation, has another employment obligation or any other reason that may effect the sale your home.   Top

Representing You:   The term agency means - The relationship of trust that exists between sellers or buyers and their agents.  Agency is established once you sign the listing contract.  Some real estate firms offer buyer agency as well as seller representation.  You need to know who your agent will represent when they show your home to a buyer. Top

Our Directory:  When looking for an agent, there are several options you have to choose from.  One of the most important factors is that the agent you select is productive.  Being productive is a good indication that the agent is well trained, aware of the market condition, and works well with people.  An active agent is usually aware of the market conditions and can help you set a good price on your home.  

• To find a top producer in your area please view our listings (click here).  If there is not an agent listed in the area you need service, please select our "Agent Locator" button.  We have access to several relocation services that have listings of the most productive agents and brokers throughout the United States and world.
• Ask a friend.  Personal referrals are usually a good source to learn of a good REALTOR® to represent you.  Even when you receive a referral, do interview the agent prior to signing a listing agreement.
• Previous contacts.  You may have been contacted by an agent that sold a home in your area or you may have meet an agent at a social function.  If you think they may be a good choice, interview them.
• You can check your local phone book, real estate publications, internet, etc.  It's not hard to find written information informing you of available real estate services.  Please be aware that REALTORS® are independent contractors.  That means that the service that you will receive often comes from one person not an entire company.  Do not hire an agent because of the company's reputation.  It's the individual agent that you'll be working with, not necessarily the company.  Top

Interview Questions:  Here is a list of questions you should ask the agents that you interview.  Feel free to copy these questions and use them during your interview.

1. How long have you been a licensed real estate agent?  The answer should be at least 2 years.  Real estate has a high turn over and many agents don't survive 12 months let alone 2 years.  Usually more experience is better but remember, current production does matter. 
2. Are you a full or part time agent?  Full time is the preferred answer.  You need an full time professional to represent you and to be available for questions from buyers and other agents.
3. Are you a member of the National Association of REALTORS?  (Are you a REALTOR®?)  The answer should be yes.  REALTORS® are held to a higher standard of practice.
4. How may homes have you sold in the past 12 months?  Hopefully the answer will be 20 or more.  You want a productive agent representing you.  The sales do not have to be listings sold, they could a combination of listings sold and sales made.
5. Do you receive on going training?  Yes is the proper answer.  All professionals need continued and constant training to stay aware of changes in their profession.
6. Are you a member of the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS)?  Yes is the answer you're looking for here.  If the agent is not a member of this service other agents will not have first hand information about your property and will not be able to inform their buyers that your home is for sale.  
7. Is someone always available at the office to answer the phone?  Yes is the answer you want.  Some offices do not have staff to handle calls and set showing appointments.  If this is the case, you will miss a lot of sale opportunities.
8. Do you have any references?  Not necessary but if they are not willing to let you contact past buyer, they may not be confident that they are providing good service.  If they do provide references, they should be recent customers.  Usually people that have sold their home in the past 6 months.
9. Is there anyone that can help me if you are not available?  Yes is the preferred answer.  Some agents have assistants and some work with another agent that will help out when they are not available.
10. Do you have a web site that shows your listings?  Today, many buyers are using the web to locate homes to view.  Again, the answer should be yes.
11. What fee do you charge?  While real estate fees are negotiable, be cautious of an agent that offers the lowest fee.  Always remember that "you get what you pay for".  Some agents may list your property with the intent to obtain buyers to offset a low fee.  You want an agent that will be aggressive in getting your home sold and feels that they will earn their pay by getting you the most for your home.  Top

Final Decision:  Once you interview an agent that you believe can sell your property, complete all the necessary paperwork.  That will include the listing contract, property profile forms and in many areas a property disclosure.  Top

Helping you make
 good decisions.