How To Choose a REALTOR®

Source:
The Atlanta Journal Constitution
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Written by: John Adams

When it comes to getting a real estate agent, I recommend you interview at least three full-time agents before deciding on the one for you.

Look for real estate signs as an indication of success, ask potential neighbors for recommendations and do research on the Web to see who is active in the area where you're looking.

In addition, make sure you're compatible with the agent you pick; you'll be spending a lot of time together. To help get you started, try asking yourself and others some quick questions. Here are a few to ask the agent:

• How busy are you? Will you be working directly with me or will you hand me off to a member of your "team"? Do you have multiple ways I can contact you when I need you?
  Many top producers now assemble a team of assistants and associate agents. Often these helpers specialize in certain parts of the home-buying process.
  One may handle contract processing, another might work primarily on loan applications, and another might be assigned to attend the loan closing.
  Although there is nothing wrong with a team concept, you have a right to know ahead of time who you will be working with and when.
• How often will we communicate? Are you committed to listening?
  A common complaint about agents is that they didn't return calls promptly. Make sure your agent understands your expectations about staying in touch. If it appears your agent is focused on another agenda and not yours, you may want to broaden your agent search.
• Do you have time to take on another buyer? How many active buyers and sellers are you currently working with?
  If the agent if so overloaded with buyers that he or she can't provide you with the attention you deserve, you are likely to be disappointed.
• Have you done business in the neighborhoods I am looking at? Do you know a lot about this community?
  No agent can know a lot about every community in metro Atlanta (or other markets). But you are likely to get the best service from an agent who specializes in your back yard.
• Are you are full-time real estate professional?
  If the agent if fooling around with another job and trying to juggle you and other priorities, you may not get the attention you need. Insist on an agent who is not distracted by other employment.
• Are you up to date on the latest real estate technology? Are you comfortable with computers, e-mail and the Internet? Do you have a Web site that will help me as a buyer?
  Some agents have never made the leap to the information age and are still resistant to change. While your experience with such an agent may be satisfactory, you may have to shoulder some of the burden.
• What professional designations have you achieved?
  The National Association of Realtors recognizes several levels of education. Among them is CRS, which stands for Certified Residential Specialist, and ARB, which stands for Accredited Buyer Representative.
  Each represents many hours of education.
• Does your broker offer "buyer brokerage" or are you acting as a subagent of the seller?
  I think it usually is best to hire an agent to represent you. That means signing a buyer brokerage agreement, and it also means limiting yourself to just one agent.
  Spend time with the agent before committing yourself to that person. That person should work to promote and protect your best interests.
• Will you give me a list of buyers you have worked with recently?
  Such a list is important because you can contact several recent purchasers and get their opinions of how the experience went.
  Did the agent stay in touch? And, perhaps most importantly, would they use this agent again?
  Asking these and other questions will let the agent know you are serious about finding the right home and the right person to help you in your search.