How to Choose a Real Estate Agent

Choosing a Real Estate Agent is an especially important part of the home buying/selling experience. The agent you choose is going to be a guide for you as you embark on this journey of looking for homes up until getting your keys or putting your house on the market until it is sold. Buying or selling a home is a major move, and when home buyers/sellers rely on an agent for knowledge, guidance, and support, they should be choosing the most appropriate one for their needs. Now, how exactly does one pick a real estate agent among all the agents and all the brokerages in the world? What criteria should you be looking at to help you pick?

Know what you want so you can communicate those needs to your agent. It will be hard to choose an appropriate agent if you do not know what it is you need them to help you find.

Do your research. Go to a few open houses and talk to different agents. This also give you the opportunity to see how the agents communicate with others. Drive by neighborhoods you are interested in and see repeated real estate agent names throughout homes that are selling. Dive online and seek different brokerages and real estate agents.

Interview at least 3 agents. Keep your options open and do not commit to the first one you find that seems appropriate. Shop around, and then carefully make your selection.

Ask the right questions. Zillow outlined a few essential questions you might want to ask when speaking to real estate agents:

1. How long have you been working in real estate?
2. Do you primarily work with buyers or sellers?
3. How many active clients do you have at a time?
4. Are you a part of a team?
5. What is your specialty?
6. Are you equipped to handle my unique situation?
7. How will you market my home?
8. Can you put me in contact with some references? 
9. Set clear expectations to avoid any miscommunication later.

 As you are doing the things above within your search, also consider these things below: (also compliment of Zillow)

• Familiarity with the local area and neighborhood
• Takes the time to become familiar with the features of the home he/she is selling
• Approachable and friendly
• Excellent reviews, plus professional handling of negative feedback
• Local reputation of closing deals quickly and successfully
• Creative negotiator and proactive problem solver
• Has experience with your specific selling scenario
• Listens to your needs
• Provides you with an up-front quote