How to Select a Real Estate Agent
Buying a home is a momentous occasion. If it is a first home, it may mark the transition from renter to owner. If it is not your first home, it may represent accommodating a growing family, a burgeoning career or the transition into retirement. Finding the appropriate person to usher you through the process -- the right real estate agent -- should not be undertaken casually. Recommendations, references, sales statistics and personality should be considered.
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Instructions
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Get recommendations from friends. Whether your friend has bought or sold a house, culling agent information from trusted sources can be invaluable. Find out as much as you can about how the agent works, how frequently he contacts the potential buyer/seller, what price range he deals with, what her personality is like and more.
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Contact the local office of the franchise, if any. If, for example, an agent a friend has suggested is associated with Prudential, contact the local office to obtain his sales statistics, neighborhood focus, years of experience and to discover work schedule (that is, whether she is full-time or part-time).
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Give preference to a member of the National Association of Realtors. According to Bankrate, the Association holds its members to strict ethical standards. Knowing this can offer peace of mind as you negotiate the home buying process.
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Narrow the list to three or four choices based on the information you have gathered.
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Interview the candidates in person. As the buying or selling process can be time-consuming, you want a good personality match. If you choose an agent based on statistics and reputation but cannot abide his personality, you will find the process much less pleasant.
Check to be sure the prospect's work schedule coincides with your available days. Ask about his usual price range and whether he knows any neighborhood markets especially well. Find out whether he will help with setting up home inspections and finding lenders. Obtain a list of references, and follow up by contacting them all.
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Make your selection based on the information you have gathered.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not choose an agent who represents both the buyer and the seller, as your interests are unlikely to be adequately represented.
