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How to Find the Right Real Estate Agent

10/1/2019

36 Comments

 
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If you are looking for a new home, there are many real estate professionals out there who will want to work with you. How do you select the right real estate agent to be on your team?

Real Estate Agent, Realtor, or Broker?


First, let’s clarify some of the terminology around real estate professionals, which can be confusing. A real estate agent is someone who acts as a guide or counselor in the process of buying or selling property. Real estate agents are required to have a license in the U.S. and are trained to handle the legal aspect of buying and selling property, including homes. Some agents specialize in either buying or selling, while other agents assist with both transactions.

Broker

A broker is also licensed and must have been a real estate agent prior to becoming a broker.
Legally, a real estate agent must be managed by a broker, who takes legal responsibility for the agent’s actions. A broker may manage a firm of real estate agents, work as a sole proprietor,  or work under another broker.

Realtor

A Realtor is a real estate agent or broker who is part of the National Association of Realtors, or NAR. NAR members pay dues and are held to a certain standard of ethics.

Although all real estate agents must be licensed to ensure a certain level of expertise, that doesn’t mean all agents are right for you. It’s important to find an agent who is the right fit for your situation.

Important Qualities


A real estate agent will be guiding you through what may be the most significant financial transaction of your life. Some important qualities to look for in an agent are responsiveness,
knowledge of the local area and market, expertise and negotiation skills.

Referrals are a good source of information on whether a potential real estate agent has these qualities. It’s a good idea to ask people you know about real estate agents they’ve worked with in the past. Another resource is the Better Business Bureau ratings.

Looking at a potential agent’s listings is also a valuable way to see if they are a good fit for you. If most of their listings are different in location or type from what you are looking for, the chances are they aren’t the right agent for you.

Questions to Ask


It’s very important to meet an agent in person before you decide on whether you want to work with them. You can get a better sense of your compatibility with an agent in person.
The National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents has compiled a list of questions to ask a potential real estate agent.
  • How long have you been licensed? Do you work in real estate full time?
  • What percentage of your business is working with buyers?
  • How familiar are you with the area where I want to purchase?
  • Do you have references from other buyers who have used your services? Do you have an association membership that has a published code of ethics or standards of practice?
  • Do you think foreclosures, bank-owned properties or for-sale-by-owner properties would be appropriate for my home search?
  • How often will you supply me with properties that meet my criteria? How will you get them to me? Will you point out all the negative aspects of each property as well as all the positive aspects?
  • Please tell me how you represent buyers to help them get the best price and terms.
  • Do you have a list of lenders, home inspectors, insurance agents and other professionals to recommend?
  • How do you get paid?
  • Do you have a written agreement? What is the duration of that agreement? What if I see a for-sale-by-owner house on my own?
  • How would you represent me as a buyer client for properties listed with your firm? How might that affect your ability to negotiate on my behalf for those properties?​

About Mattias

I'm happy to answer these questions or any others you may have.  Let's grab coffee or meet up at my office.   Feel free to email me here or call or text me at 540 246-9067.
About Mattias
Reviews
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Source: https://www.zillow.com/home-buying-guide/what-is-a-real-estate-broker/
36 Comments
Ron Booker link
2/18/2020 11:29:46 am

You made a good point about making sure the agent is familiar with the area you plan to move to. My wife and I have been thinking of buying our first home, and we need to hire a real estate agent We will be sure to follow the questions and make sure we hire an experienced agent.

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Mattias Clymer
2/18/2020 11:59:28 am

Hi Ron, thanks for the comment. What area are you looking in? I’d be happy to chat with you about the process is more detail.

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Charlotte link
2/23/2022 06:23:37 am

Thanks for the article, I believe in the United States, real estate agents are required to have a license and are trained to handle the legal aspects of buying and selling property, including homes. Some agents specialize in either buying or selling, while others assist with both.

Reply
Thomas Clarence link
5/12/2022 01:03:32 pm

You made an interesting point when you explained that it is a good idea to find a real estate agent that has references from other buyers. When you are looking at references, I think it would be a good idea to pay attention to how the real estate agent communicates. You would want to find a real estate agent that will stay in constant contact with you.

Reply
Kristofer Van Wagner link
6/2/2022 02:42:08 pm

I appreciate that this post pointed out that the more years a real estate agent accumulates under his or her belt, the more skilled and knowledgeable they are. My sister has said that she would like to be a real estate agent. I will definitely encourage her to start by ensuring she is licensed.

Reply
Tex Hooper link
6/27/2022 09:38:58 pm

I like your real estate tips. I need to buy a new house. I'll have to talk to an agent to know my options.

Reply
Braden Bills link
7/8/2022 10:45:20 am

I want to get a new home, but I'm not sure how to choose one. It makes sense that I would want to find a real estate agent that has a lot of experience with the neighborhood I'm looking at. Finding referrals would be a good way to ensure that I do that properly.

Reply
Afton Jackson link
7/11/2022 01:19:50 am

Questions about documentation and other kinds of paperwork really do seem important to ask. These are the kinds of things that usually fly over my head whenever I talk about the home buying process, so having someone handle them for me feels very important. As soon as I find a real estate agent I can work with, I'll make sure I inquire about this with them.

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Mia Evans link
8/10/2022 04:32:49 am

It really helped me when you talked about how real estate agents would have licenses and have undergone training programs to ensure that they understand the legal aspect of the processes. I plan to hire their services when I have enough money for a home's downpaymet. And I think I would really need their expertise to ensure that the outcome of my purchase would be worth it and has no issues, especially in the legal aspect.

Reply
Nagendra link
8/26/2022 07:19:26 am

It's good to know about the rules when buying a rental property to ensure a successful purchase. You can choose the best local home Realtor in your area.

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Charlotte Fleet link
9/29/2022 06:17:32 pm

My older brother and his wife want to hire a real estate professional to help them find the perfect home. I agree that you should find out how long a real estate agent has had their license. In addition to that, I think it would be helpful for my brother and sister-in-law to check the reviews of potential real estate experts.

Reply
Jessie Holloway link
11/10/2022 08:06:17 pm

Thanks so much for explaining the different professions and also for the list of questions to ask. My sister and her husband are wanting to find a house they can raise a family in. They've been looking into finding a great real estate agent they can work with to help them find their perfect home.

Reply
Jessie Holloway link
3/13/2023 02:03:18 pm

Thanks so much for the advice to find a realtor who is knowledgeable about the local market and has great negotiation skills. My sister and her husband have been looking for a new home and they've been having trouble navigating the market. We'll have to look into finding a realtor to help them find their perfect place.

Reply
Greeley Farm & Ranch Realtor link
4/11/2023 07:28:42 am

A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks

Reply
homeowners insurance massachusetts link
4/27/2023 11:44:50 am

It's important to understand the differences between a real estate agent, broker, and Realtor when looking for someone to guide you through buying or selling property. While all real estate agents must be licensed, not all may be the right fit for you. Look for qualities such as responsiveness, local knowledge, expertise, and negotiation skills when selecting an agent. Referrals and checking the agent's listings can also help determine if they are a good fit.





Reply
Vernon Buggs link
6/20/2023 04:21:04 pm

A real estate agent will be guiding you through what may be the most significant financial transaction of your life. Some important qualities to look for in an agent are responsiveness, Thank you for the beautiful post!

Reply
Hugh Chase link
6/21/2023 03:09:19 pm

Hiring a professional real estate agent when buying or selling a home can help you make smart decisions and avoid costly mistakes. But not just any agent will fit the bill. Here's how to choose the right real estate agent for you.

Reply
Stanley Stein link
6/23/2023 04:46:56 pm

On the off chance that you are searching for another home, there are numerous realtors out there who will need to work with you. How would you choose the right realtor to be in your group?

Reply
John Caldwell link
6/29/2023 12:40:29 pm

You made a fascinating moment that you made sense of that it is smart to find a realtor that has references from different buyers. At the point when you are taking a gander at references, I figure it would be smart to focus on how the realtor conveys.

Reply
John Seibert link
7/13/2023 04:32:58 pm

A realtor should be overseen, a legitimate by a specialist obligation regarding the specialist's activities. An intermediary might deal with a firm of realtors, function as a sole owner, or work under another specialist.

Reply
foreclosed homes orlando link
7/22/2023 01:28:29 pm

The discussion on home inspections and the importance of due diligence was a crucial addition to the article. Ensuring a thorough inspection of the property before making a purchase can help identify any underlying issues and avoid potential pitfalls down the line. This is a step that should not be overlooked by buyers.

Reply
Real Estate Agent link
7/22/2023 01:39:09 pm

I appreciated the information you provided on selling a property as well. Understanding the local market, preparing the property for sale, and working with an experienced real estate agent can help sellers attract potential buyers and achieve a successful sale. The mention of staging, professional photography, and effective marketing strategies were excellent suggestions.

Reply
property conveyancing link
8/11/2023 02:10:20 pm

A real estate agent aids buyers and sellers of real estate. It is the duty of a real estate agent to assist customers in the purchase or selling of a house and to put them in touch with other experts, such as home inspectors.

Reply
Robert Salter link
8/23/2023 05:20:58 pm

Albeit all realtors should be authorized to guarantee a specific degree of skill, that doesn't mean all specialists are ideal for you. It's essential to find a specialist who is the on the right track fit for your circumstance.

Reply
Steve Hearns link
9/20/2023 02:49:32 pm

A realtor is somebody who goes about as an aide or guide during the time spent trading property. Realtors are expected to have a permit in the us also, are prepared to deal with the lawful part of trading property, Thank you for sharing your great post!

Reply
Mark Gates link
10/25/2023 04:11:20 pm

You made an intriguing moment that you made sense of that it is smart to find a realtor that has references from different purchasers. At the point when you are taking a gander at references, I figure it would be smart to focus on how the realtor conveys. You would need to find a realtor that will remain in steady contact with you.

Reply
Manuel Cowan link
11/12/2023 12:35:28 pm

It’s a good idea to ask people you know about real estate agents they’ve worked with in the past. I’m so thankful for your helpful post!

Reply
Sheldon Smith link
7/6/2024 08:16:40 am

You finding the right real estate agent can make a big difference! Are you looking for tips on how to find one, or do you have specific questions about the process.

Reply
Freddie Sumner link
10/10/2024 12:39:50 pm

Your tips on finding the right real estate agent are fantastic! Choosing the right agent can make a huge difference in the buying or selling experience. Thanks for sharing such valuable advice!

Reply
Billy Atkinson link
11/11/2024 09:30:19 am

Great tips on choosing the right real estate agent! It's so important to find someone who not only understands the local market but also aligns with your personal needs and communication style. The advice on checking reviews and asking the right questions is particularly helpful—those steps can really give you confidence in your decision. Thanks for sharing these insights, they’re great for anyone navigating the home buying process!

Reply
Eusebio Warner link
11/12/2024 08:51:50 am

Finding the right real estate agent is crucial to navigating the buying or selling process successfully. It’s important to research agents with experience in your local market, assess their communication skills, and check their client reviews. A good agent will listen to your needs, guide you through the process, and provide you with reliable advice.

Reply
Derek Day link
11/13/2024 08:22:42 am

Great advice on finding the right real estate agent! It's important to not only consider their experience but also how well they understand your specific needs and goals. Trust, clear communication, and a good local market knowledge are key. Personal referrals and online reviews are helpful, but it's essential to interview agents to see if their approach aligns with your expectations. Thanks for the valuable insights—looking forward to exploring more on your blog!

Reply
Napoleon Hendrix link
11/14/2024 08:34:48 am

This blog provides helpful advice for finding the right real estate agent by emphasizing the importance of experience, communication skills, and a strong local market knowledge. It also highlights the value of personal referrals and checking credentials before making a decision. By selecting the right agent, you'll ensure a smoother and more successful home buying or selling process.

Reply
Otis Hull link
11/15/2024 08:26:44 am

Great tips on how to choose the right real estate agent! It's so important to consider factors like experience, local market knowledge, and communication style when selecting an agent. I also agree with the point about interviewing multiple agents to ensure the best fit for your needs. Trust and rapport are key to a successful real estate transaction. Thanks for sharing such helpful advice!

Reply
Hector Welch link
11/19/2024 09:10:20 am

Choosing the right agent is so important, and this post provides great advice on what to look for. Trust and experience are key, and it’s great to see these qualities emphasized here.

Reply
Jackson Sheppard link
11/20/2024 09:46:15 am

A must-read for buyers and sellers alike. It emphasizes key factors like trust, communication, and expertise in selecting the right agent.

Reply



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