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9 Steps for Finding the Perfect Real Estate Agent

By Phil Butler | March 3, 2013

One of the first things to do when buying or selling a house is to find a real estate agent - they will be your guide from start to finish. His or her training and experience will benefit you greatly in the long run. Finding the right one can be challenging though, so keep the following tips in mind when you're agent-shopping.

Agent

Agent - courtesy © apops - Fotolia.com

One - Licensed
The best agent is licensed. He or she has taken special courses to obtain their license. In these special courses, the agent learns many things about the law and the whole process of buying or selling a house. It really is best to work with REALTOR® (NAR) for instance,  and not someone who is just doing it on the side.

Two - Look at Realty Signs
Drive around the neighborhood and look to see which real estate firm has sold houses. While any company may have numerous for sale signs up, you want the one that has sold on the sign. This means the professional is actively pursuing sales. He or she will be active in working with you, too.

Three - Ask Friends
One of the best ways to find a great agent is to ask friends who have recently bought or sold property. Asking these people who they worked with may result in both good and bad experiences. You may learn who to consider working with and who to avoid.

Four - Check the Paper
Look at the local newspaper to see who has property for sale. Furthermore, many papers will list property that has sold within the different ads. Again, this is proof that the person is really working at selling property. In addition, look at how the property is advertised. A professional REALTOR® will have great photos of the property.

Five - Check the Internet
Check local sources on the Internet. Similar to the newspaper, the agent may have listing up that has already sold. Read about their backgrounds. A property professional with an active educational blog or forum is busy looking for new business.

Six - Attend Open Houses
One of the best ways to meet real estate agents is to attend open houses. Act interested in buying the house and see how you are treated. This will be the same way they will treat customers looking to buy your property.

Seven - Call the Title Company
Some title companies will tell you who they like to work with. So a call to them never hurts. Make sure and ask them who they like.

Eight - Call Local Real Estate Lawyers
Like the title companies, some will tell who they like to work with. Others will not answer the question. It never hurts to call and ask and see what they say.

Nine - Interview
Once you have the choices narrowed down to two or three, arrange a personal interview with the finalists. Just like in other relationships, some relationships that should make sense just don't work. Find the one that works best for you and your property will sell faster.

Selling a property can be a fun, educational and most importantly, profitable experience when you work with the right property expert. Take your time and see who is available. Then let them be your guide through this exciting time in your life.

About the author: Donna San Juan writes about personal finance and real estate. Her best work is about what it takes to earn an online masters in finance.

Phil Butler is a former engineer, contractor, and telecommunications professional who is editor of several influential online media outlets including part owner of Pamil Visions with wife Mihaela. Phil began his digital ramblings via several of the world’s most noted tech blogs, at the advent of blogging as a form of journalistic license. Phil is currently top interviewer, and journalist at Realty Biz News.
  • 2 comments on “9 Steps for Finding the Perfect Real Estate Agent”

    1. Looking at SOLD real estate signs does not mean that particular real estate company actually SOLD the listing. Yes, they LISTED it, but what company represented the BUYER? The guaranteed way real estate agents make money is to be LISTERS, and let the BUYER rep sell it.

      1. Brandon, I agree with you. There are good and bad agents so just by having signs doesn't really give you enough information. You should Interview agents. A good agent will be knowledgeable about the local market, your area and your community.

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