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Choosing a Real Estate Agent

The most important thing you need to consider when selecting a real-estate agent is how comfortable you feel with that individual and if he or she seems to have a quick grasp of your needs. It is imperative that you work with a real-estate agent who listens to what you say and responds accordingly.

How should I go about choosing a real estate broker or agent?

Here are a few ways:

Ask your friends and neighbors for referrals, if they live in the general region where you're searching.

Interview agents. Ask each about their background, training, and experience. Ask about homes in the region. See what questions they ask you and how well they listen. You're looking for a strong agent, with experience and good negotiating skills.

Here are some questions you should ask when interviewing real estate agents

What will you do for me?

This is a general question that will lead you to the other important ones, but it is the crux of the interview. The agent you hire should be one that can demonstrate to you what actions he or she will take to help you reach your goals.

What kind of plan do you have to find a home for me?

Buyers should expect agents working for them to have a plan to help them find the house that meets their needs and should look for resources available to the agent such as access to objective information about each property you look at, access to professionals to help with the inspection process, negotiating skills and more.

Do you have the time to devote to my needs?

It’s very important for an agent to have the time to devote to your needs. For example, if the agent has lots of listings, make sure you're comfortable with the time they'll have for you. On the other hand, if they have few listings or sales, ask them how their lack of experience can be overcome.

How often will you communicate with me and how will you do it?

This is really an important one. Often, the success and overall satisfaction with your transaction will depend on regular communication with your real estate agent. Your agent should be willing to agree to the frequency of contacts with you throughout your relationship and should stick to it.

How do you decide what price to recommend to me?

For buyers, choosing a price range is key to your search and buyers should expect agents to look for homes that are in the range the buyer is comfortable with, not merely what they can qualify for. Good communication about the buyer's overall needs will help insure that this will happen.

Explain to me how "real estate" works. What will happen in the process and what is expected of me?

It is important to know how offers are presented and negotiated, what happens in the escrow process, the kinds of inspections that will be expected, estimated costs, and any potential problems that could come up. If you are aware of what could happen, and most importantly, if your agent is aware, problems will more likely be avoided.

What type of training or education do you have in real estate?

Most successful real estate agents devote time to continuing education and sometimes to attain real estate designations. The educated practitioner will know more about the laws and practices affecting your transaction. Commitment to education also indicates a higher degree of professionalism.

What happens if I am not happy with your services?

Buyers need to know up-front what the agent will do for them — in as much detail as possible. At the same time, you need to know what your recourse is if the agent drops the ball. How your relationship with your buyer's representative can be terminated should be discussed so there are no surprises.

What references can you give me about yourself and your firm?

Number of sales is important but reputation is equally so. Get references!

What type of home do you typically deal with?

Are these homes similar to the homes on your wish list. Find out how well the agent knows the areas that you are considering.

Can you show me one house?

Ask to be shown one house. See how the agent shows it to you and how comfortable your rapport is. Is he or she showing you the kind of home you're looking for? Evaluate what kind of information the agent is able to give you.