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What to Look for in a Real Estate Professional
Choose an agent you feel comfortable with, who is responsive to your needs and who compliments your personality. Here are some guidelines:

  • Get referrals from family and friends.
  • Seek an experienced agent with a known reputation ö look at credentials, track records and awards received.
  • Interview at least three agents.
  • Seek someone who is a member of the Board of Realtors¨ .
  • Find someone who is continuing their education ö a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Residential Broker (CRB), a Graduate of the Realtors Institute (GRI) or an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) ö this shows the Realtor is interested in the business long-term and is willing to invest in their career.

Questions to ask when getting a referral
These questions will help you learn what you need to know about an agent:

  • What were they like to deal with?
  • How hard did they work for you?
  • Did they get you a good price?
  • Were there any complications?
  • Did they always tell you the truth?
  • Were they always looking out for you or just interested in getting paid?
  • Would you use their services again?

Questions to ask when interviewing an agent
Ask these questions before making a decision:

  • How many buyers have you successfully represented in the last six months? Can I have the names and phone numbers of three to six of your most recent buyer clients?
  • What professional designations do you have?
  • Are you fully automated with your own personal computer, FAX machine, copier, pager, voice mail, etc?
  • What is your commission? Or do you have hourly rates or a set fee?
  • Do you have a list of home inspectors, insurance agents and reputable lenders for me to consider?
  • What clauses will be included in our offer to protect us as buyers?
  • Will you try to sell me one of your listed properties before you show me listings from other real estate companies?
  • Do you have information about For Sale By Owner properties?
  • How will you help me save money?
  • How will you protect my interests, and why should I hire you rather than another agent?

Now that you've chosen a few agents and interviewed them, ask yourself the following questions to narrow your choice:

  • Which one returned your phone calls?
  • Which one asked questions to determine what you want/need in a home?
  • Which one performed a financial analysis to determine how much you can afford?
  • Which one suggested financing methods?
  • Which one seemed most knowledgeable about the community?
  • Which one explained things most clearly?
  • Which one did you feel most comfortable with