Finding a Real Realtor
Posted on September 28, 2007
Filed Under Finding Professionals |
Whether you want to buy a house, or sell the one you got, it’s an extremely big decision. You can’t choose just anyone to help you navigate (and by “navigate” we mean “survive”) the process, especially when so much of your hard earned money is at stake. Selecting the right real estate agent for you is very important. There is a common saying that “20% of the agents do 80% of the work.” When seeking the perfect agent or broker for you, it’s always important to remember that the best agent isn’t necessarily a big name. You need to find someone who will really listen to your needs, knows the market, and is most importantly, ethical.
On your quest, you’ll come across many different real estate agents who are all licensed to sell real estate, but not all of them will be Realtors®. A Realtor® is an agent who belongs to the National Association of Realtors® and pledges to follow a published Code of Ethics. This is a comprehensive list of 17 articles and underlying standards of practice, which establishes levels of conduct that are higher than ordinary business practices. Less than half of all licensed agents are Realtors®. If you ever question the legitimacy of an agent’s license, you can always do a Professional License Search, which will tell you everything you need to know.
The best agents will be referred to you by close friends and family because of their positive experiences. Ask the trusted people around you who they used, and ask them to describe their experiences. If no one close to you has recently used a reputable agent, then you should try searching online for an agent (just be extra wary). There are plenty of sites out there to help you find an agent, but there is no assurance of quality. Most of the agents that are referred on some sites have paid to be listed in their directories. If you are going to search online, then look at the top ten Google results for real estate companies in your area. Once you are at the companies’ sites, then search for individual agents and see if they provide any customer testimonials. A safe place to go to is Realtor.com because they are all certified Realtors®.
If you’re tired of research and want to take some physical action, then try attending some open houses in your area. It’s a good way to interact with agents in a non-threatening environment. It is also perfect for watching the agent in action, to see how professional they are. While you’re out at open houses, make a mental note of the neighborhood signs. Keep track of how long it takes for them to have a sold sign attached to the top. Remember, it’s not about how many signs an agent has, but how many houses they sell; it’s all about results.
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