How to Choose a Realtor Who Gets the Job Done

Buying or selling a home is a huge undertaking, and one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make as an adult. All things considered, the Realtor you choose will have a huge impact on whether the home-buying process is a success or a disaster.  Let's talk about how to make it a success.

First, it probably comes as no surprise that you'll want to find a realtor you can depend on to work on your behalf.  Many times you can find good realtors through good old fashioned word-of-mouth referrals.  Chances are, if they worked hard for your friends and family, they'll work hard for you.  But if you don't already have someone in mind, here are some tips for choosing a realtor who will get the job done and leave you satisfied in the end: 

• Make a checklist of what you're looking for in an agent.  Examples of these requirements may be the following: someone with integrity, someone who is available, someone who checks listings often, someone who is up on current market conditions and the home buying/selling process, someone who will keep your needs and budget in mind (without being pushy), someone who will work hard for you. 
• Search online.  An online search through websites like ratemyagent.com, homethinking.com, or zillow.com may provide consumer reviews that will help you make a decision. 
• Make sure the realtor is licensed.  To find this information, you can check with the real estate commission in your state.
• Ask for references.  If you've found a realtor you like, but you don't know anyone who has personally used them, make sure to ask for references.  Follow up by calling the references.
• Interview the agent.  A one-on-one meeting will help ensure personalities don't clash.  You definitely want to make sure you see eye-to-eye with what's important to you.
• Verify whether the realtor is representing you or the seller. 
• Verify the realtor has access to either the MLS or another reliable online home buyer's search service.

Now, let me explain something that I didn't know:  Real estate agents aren't technically Realtors® unless they're members of the National Association of Realtors— which happens to be North America's largest trade association. The benefits of working with a Realtor seems to be that they are held to a strict Code of Ethics, and the access they have to hundreds of MLSs— a database where homes listed for sale are stored.   Keep in mind that any person who sells real estate must be licensed by the state where they work as either an agent or a broker.