Top Ten Suggestions for Selecting a Real Estate Agent

Published On: December 14, 2009

In order to find a real estate broker or agent who meets your needs and makes your buying or selling experience a positive one, Century 21 Real Estate Corporation recommends you:

1.      DO NOT  blindly walk into or call a neighborhood firm and ask for an agent at random.

 2.      Ask friends and family for recommendations.

 3.      Interview several real estate agents:

-          Find out their history with the brokerage, their experience and background.

-          Gauge their knowledge of your favorite towns.

-          Ask for a list of previous clients and their phone numbers.

 4.      Pay attention to whether a potential agent is listening closely to what you say.

-          Is he or she asking follow-up questions which prompt further explanation and help him or her understand exactly your needs and wants?

 5.      Give a potential agent the opportunity to educate you.

-          A good agent should walk a customer through the buying or selling process before ever showing properties or discussing a specific transaction.

 6.      Have a good idea of what you expect from an agent and communicate those expectations.

-          How often do you want to hear from your agent?

-          Do you want to hold meetings at your house rather than the real estate office?

 7.      Weigh the benefits of working with an experienced agent versus a novice.

-          An experienced agent may have more insight, but a new agent may have innovative ideas or more energy and time.

 8.      Find an agent who complements your personality.

-          If you like to start your day at 7:00 a.m., don't choose an agent who arrives to the office at 10:00 a.m.

-          If your preferred method of communication is e-mail, don't choose an agent whose most advanced technology is a fax machine.

 9.      Evaluate the agent's firm and/or office.

-          Look for a real estate organization whose agents can empower you with real estate expertise and resources and provide first-rate customer service.

10.  Look for an agent who will be your partner.

           -          Find someone you trust, who will give you the facts, help you make intelligent, well-informed decisions and work with you throughout the entire process.

To find a CENTURY 21â agent near you, call (605)400-3221.