Qualifications of a Real Estate Agent

When looking for a qualified real estate agent to assist you in a transaction, you want a real estate agent who is the most qualified to help you. While real estate agents may be a qualified, they may not have the appropriate skills to assist you with your specific needs. For example, if you are selling a business, you would not want a real estate agent who specializes in residential properties.

Time

Ask how long the real estate agent has been in the business. In many cases, a more experienced agent is a plus, but sometimes a new agent can be the best choice for a residential client, as that agent will be eager and have more time to devote to the client.

Location

Discover how long the agent has been doing business in that area. The agent may have 20 years of experienced, but if he is brand new to the community, he may not be as qualified as a new agent who has lived in the community for years.

Broker

Determine if the agent is a real estate sales licensee or has a broker's license. A broker will have additional real estate education and may have more experience. A real estate sales agent must work under a broker.

Realtor

Not all real estate agents are Realtors. A Realtor is a member of a professional real estate association, which requires its members to abide by a standard code of ethics, and also requires additional education.

Specialties

Real estate agents can specialize in different areas, such as land, commercial or vacation homes. In commercial real estate, some agents complete extensive commercial real estate courses and become Certified Commercial Investment Members (CCIM) or Certified Commercial Sales Specialists (CCSS).

Designation

Real estate agents can expand their education and complete courses to earn specific real estate designations and certifications, making them more qualified in specific areas. These include the Graduate of Realtor Institute (GRI), Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), Council of Residential Specialists (CRS), Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES), Accredited Buyer Representative Manager (ABRM), Accredited Land Consultant (ALC), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist Certification, and Transnational Referral Certification.