Finding and Choosing a Real Estate Agent

The real first step in the home buying or selling process is to find an agent to help you do it. Real estate can be a complex business, and you don't want to leave something so important in the hands of just anybody. Here are some very basic things to consider in your search for a realtor you'll feel good about.

1. Word of Mouth: Ask friends, families, and co-workers for the names and numbers of agents they've had positive satisfying experiences with. Collect a few numbers and get in touch to see if one of them might be a good fit for you. You may want to ask them if they have any information about which agents to avoid as well. Basically you want to know which agents were professional, effective, and courteous and which agents were not. You want the names of real estate agents they wouldn't hesitate to use again.

2. Turn to the Web: Use the internet to search out the top rated real estate companiesin your area. Pull up the listings for a few agents from those companies and keep an eye out for customer comments. This will help give you a clear picture of available local real estate agents. An agent that is familiar with local schools, businesses, and other services is definitely something to look for.

3. Visit Open Houses: While we're on the subject of a local real estate agent being a good idea another resource to consider are area open houses. The agent will definitely be familiar with the area and more than likely the outlying areas as well which will be useful if you are planning on buying in a new but nearby area.
4. Start a List: Write down any questions you have for a potential agent. The things you'll be asking will vary depending on whether you are buying or
selling a home. As a seller you'll want to know about the real estate agent's basic outline for selling your home and how they plan to advertise it. As a buyer you may want ask about the offer making process and their approach to searching for your new home. Plan to ask a potential agent for references that you can contact.

5. Shop Around: Remember that you don't have to choose the very first agent you meet with. It's a good idea to have a few real estate agents to choose from to increase your chances of finding someone that really understands your needs and the market.

These tips are just the tip of the iceberg really, but they do serve as a very basic guide to finding a real estate agent you can work well with. Remember that you are the customer and that you have a right to be pleased with the service you are getting. Life is too short to feel pressured or ignored by your real estate agent, and if you feel those things are happening it's time to make a change.