How can I choose the REALTOR® who's right for me?
Ask
friends, neighbors, relatives, and co-workers who've recently bought or
sold homes in your area. Which company and agent did they work with,
and what kind of service did they receive? Would they work with the
same agent again?
Check out FOR SALE signs in your area and note which ones have SOLD
stickers on them. You want to be sure you're choosing a company and
REALTOR® that gets the job done.
Attend open houses in your area. At open houses, you can watch agents
in action and judge their expertise while at the same time collect
information on properties that are competing with yours. A top-notch
agent will provide a fact sheet about the property and be prepared with
information on similar properties and listing for the entire area.
Look
for companies that specialize in the kind of real estate you want to
buy or sell. If you're purchasing a new home, for example, you'll want
to look for a company that specializes in residential real estate
rather than commercial property or appraisals.
Target
REALTORS® located on your side of town. If an agent lives in the area,
he or she is far more likely to have more information about area
schools, businesses, and places of worship.
Narrow
your search to five or fewer. Once you've narrowed your search, you're
ready to start making contacts and can begin "auditioning" your agent.
Find
out whether the agent is a member of a trade association. The titles
REALTOR® and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® designate membership in a local board
of REALTORS®, a state association such as the VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF
REALTORS®, and the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Members are
required to follow a strict code of ethics and are encouraged to pursue
continuing real estate education.
Audition
your agent. During each listing presentation, the agent will try to
sell you on listing your house with his company. That provides you with
an ideal opportunity to rate his or her preparation, competence, and
professionalism as well as the company's services.
Look
for an agent who shows enthusiasm and a positive attitude toward your
house. That isn't necessarily the person who talks fastest or longest.
It may be the agent who asks a lot of questions and takes notes on
decorating, construction, landscaping, and personal property that will
remain with the house.
The
decision about whether to choose an experienced or inexperienced agent
is a personal one. A licensed but inexperienced agent can do a fine job
if he or she has completed an in-depth training program and is being
guided by an experienced agent or broker. Sometimes a rookie's
enthusiasm and motivation outweigh a lack of experience. However, some
sellers prefer working with a veteran REALTOR® who has established a
successful sales record.