Whether you're buying or selling property, hiring a real estate professional will make the process easier. Here is what you need to know when it comes to choosing a realtor:
Licensing
Real estate licenses expire and need renewed periodically. To make sure you work with a licensed professional, look up the real estate commission website for your state and search for the realtor's name. Representatives at your local board of REALTORS® will also be able to tell you if the sales person in question is in good standing and for how long he has been registered.
Credentials
A business card or resume will give important clues. Extra letter designations and titles speak of additional training and credentials that were earned. If you want to sell or buy residential property, look for a certified residential specialist (CRS). SRES stands for seniors’ real estate specialist and designates that the agent has completed training that helps him excel at assisting sellers and buyers over 50. If you need a buyer’s agent, look for an accredited buyer representative (ABR).
Sales professionals can have any or all of these credentials, or even none. Keep in mind that realtors, real estate agents and brokers are not the same thing. Only a professional who uses Realtor with a capital R or has REALTOR® as part of his credentials is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The NAR sets performance standards and requires its members to follow the code of ethics.
According to the specialists at Adams, Cameron, & Co Realtors, look for an agent who specializes in the areas you’re interested in. Every community is different, and you’ll want a realtor who knows where you’ll best fit in your new hometown.
Real estate agents and realtors must work for a broker, but a broker can work independently and has passed an additional state licensing exam to earn that distinction.
Personality
All the qualifications in the world won't help if there is no connection. Since realtors work in a competitive environment, they often mistake aggressiveness with assertiveness. A realtor who exhibits knowledge and has experience is important, but a friendly demeanor is necessary as well. Look for a realtor who is professional, but personable. Buying a home is often stressful, and a friendly face can help more than you may think.
Web Presence
A good way to evaluate the marketing capabilities of agents is to check their web presence. Look at their individual websites which should be attractively presented and easy to navigate. Additionally, search Realtor.com for agent property listings: Enough to indicate success but not so many that you’d be overlooked. Evaluate these for clarity and similarities to your needs to ensure a good fit.
While it's easy enough to find information online, don't be afraid to ask questions. Before committing to a realtor, make sure the answers given match the researched facts.
