How to Choose the Perfect Real Estate Agent for Your Needs?

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

If you’ve browsed through those glossy real estate guides or online realtor sites, you know there are thousands of choices out there, and you may have to try a few on to find the perfect fit. Like a good pair of shoes, a qualified, capable agent can help you along your journey… or they can leave you blistered and miserable.

Realtors are often notoriously unprofessional, since they operate independently and largely without supervision. Finding a responsive real estate agent who is an expert on your target market, and who truly has your best interests at heart, is a rare and wonderful thing.

Get Recommendations

A recommendation from someone you know and trust is a good place to start. However, just because a friend of yours was happy with his or her agent doesn’t necessarily mean the agent will be the best choice for you. Consider the type of property your friend had, as well as the price range and neighborhood. Some agents specialize in certain types of properties, such as commercial or condos, so you’ll want someone who is knowledgeable about what you’re specifically trying to buy or sell.

You should also ask any agent you’re vetting for client recommendations. If you’re selling a home, you’ll especially want to know what type of property each client had, the listing and selling price and location. You want to make sure that the property the agent was handling was as similar to yours as possible.

You might already know a friend or family member who is an agent. While using someone you know can offer a certain degree of comfort, it can also strain relationships, especially because buying or selling a home can be a tension-filled proposition. If you go this route, make sure your friend or family member meets the same qualifications as any other agent to head off potential problems.

Look for Qualifications

Every state has licensing requirements for real estate agents, and you should verify that your chosen agent has met them. The name of the agency that governs real estate agents and their licensing varies, but starting with your state’s website should point you in the right direction. While you’re there, check if any disciplinary actions have been taken against the agent.

The qualifications don’t stop there, however. Agents often have a veritable alphabet listed after their names. What do all of those letters mean? If the agent is a Realtor with a capital “R,” he or she is a member of the National Association of Realtors, which (technically) requires its members to uphold a code of ethics.

The association also offers several designations and certifications, which indicate an agent’s expertise in certain areas. You might want to use an ALC, or Accredited Land Consultant, if you’re purchasing a new home and need land. An MRP, or Military Relocation Professional, is familiar with the real estate needs particular to those in the military. Many other designations exist, so explore which ones will benefit you and make sure the agent you choose has them.

Consider Technology

Real estate is as dependent upon the Internet as any other business, and the agent you choose should be familiar with how it applies to today’s market. According to a 2015 generational trends study by the National Association of Realtors, 88 percent of all home buyers use the Internet in their searches. Also consider that the millennial generation is buying more homes than any other age group. If you’re selling, you want to make sure your agent is able and willing to appeal to these tech-savvy buyers.

This doesn’t mean that the Internet is the only tool homebuyers are using – 87 percent of all homebuyers – and 90 percent of millennials – are still enlisting the services of a real estate agent. The study found that most homebuyers are shopping online and then using an agent to physically walk through homes, review neighborhood trends, prepare and review legal contracts and make the home purchase.

The takeaway for you? Make sure your agent knows how to use the Web to your advantage regardless of whether you’re selling or buying. Web-based marketing approaches such as Twitter, YouTube and Facebook should be a part of the agent’s total marketing picture. And if an agent isn’t up to speed on tech basics such as email or digital cameras, that may be a sign that he or she isn’t knowledgeable about current market trends, either.

Conduct an Interview

It’s a good idea to interview a few prospective agents. Be prepared to ask how long they’ve been in the business, if they live in the area and for how long and if real estate is a full- or part-time job. Have a discussion about how the market is faring in your area. If you’re a seller, be sure to ask what the list price on your home should be. Any particularly high and low numbers could be red flags – a high number may be quoted to reel you in and a low number could make you miss out on a greater profit.

Regardless of the agent you choose, make sure it’s someone with whom you feel comfortable. Prefer a phone call rather than an email? Your agent should be willing to accommodate. Have a question and need a response? Your agent should explain how he or she will be available to you. Doing your homework ahead of time will help you find an agent who will work to sell or buy your home.

Lastly, take what real estate agents say with a grain of salt. Realtors are quick to say things like “In two years this neighborhood will be worth 20% more!” and “Everyone who passed up an opportunity to buy here a few years ago are kicking themselves now…”. Remember that real estate agents are salespeople, and they aren’t the ones stuck with a decision that can potentially cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you hear the kinds of hackneyed catchphrases above dribbling out of a Realtor’s mouth, keep looking and find a better agent.

Six Ways to Find Great Real Estate Deals

How to Win a Real Estate Bidding War