How to Find a good Real Estate Agent

Regardless of whether you are looking to buy or sell a home,  you will probably need to find a good real estate agent. So, how do you go about finding a good real estate agent? Ask most people, and they will tell you to start by asking their family and friends, or possibly their neighbors. But what if they don't know one or are new to the neighborhood? While you might be tempted to pick a random real estate agent out of the phone book, you might accidentally hit on a shady or unreliable one.

Here are a few things that will help you find a good real estate agent.

Get Organized
Most people start to by going online to real estate websites. Be sure to view a bunch of real estate agents listings and see if they’re selling their listed homes on a somewhat consistent level. It is also important to try to find a real estate agent that is selling homes similar to yours or one you would like to buy or sell.  home. Does the real estate agent have enough listings to indicate a healthy vibrant business. In order to minimize headaches and stress, it pays to first get organized and do it right the first time. 

Look into references and past closings
Ask the real estate agents for a list of their past clients and get in touch with them to see how they performed, how long it took them to sell or buy their home and if they experienced any issues working with the real estate agent. You might want to even ask them for references of a few recent clients that the agent worked with some years earlier to see how they are holding up and maintaining. Also check the real estate agents listings online.

Look into reviews
Before hiring a real estate agent, look and see if they have a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating or SmartGuy rating. You can also enter the real estate agents name followed by the words “rip off” or “scam” and see if  you’re alerted to any wrong doings. You might also find some information on their company at your state’s Contractors License Reference Site.

Select a real estate agent with the right credentials 
Much like doctors, who specialize in certain fields, the same applies to real estate agents. The acronyms after the name of the real estate agent can indicate that the agent has taken specialty classes in a certain area of real estate sales. Some of the designations include: ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative): Completed additional education in representing buyers in transactions. CRS (Certified Residential Specialist): Completed additional training in dealing and handling residential real estate. SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist): Completed training directed at helping buyers and sellers in the 50 plus age range. If an agent calls themselves a Realtor with a capital R, that means they’re a member of NAR. One the most important thing you get by hiring a Realtor is an agent who formally pledges to support the code of ethics.

Look for a real estate agent with at least a couple of transactions a month
When looking over a real estate agent's credentials, try and find a real estate agent that has been working in negotiations, sales and contracts for a minimum of five years, preferably in the real estate and/or property management field. A good five years of experience and a consistent stream of transactions means an agent likely has a good feel for the process and can most likely help find you the best bargains. Although sometimes a real estate agent with less experience can still be helpful to you if he know the area you are looking into real well and has a good  and professional work ethic.

Look for real estate agents who have received awards and honors to help narrow the field
Check online and resumes for a real estate agents citations, honor and awards. But also be aware that some real estate agents, while very skilled, might be very busy and may not be able to give you all the attention you want or need, which is sometimes the case. If that is the case though, you might want to base decisions on different factors.

Make sure you connect and get along with the real estate agent
Client - agent chemistry is very important in the field of real estate. Keep in mind, for many, their real estate transaction is one of the largest financial transactions they will make in their lifetime. Therefore, much consideration is needed. If you're working with a real estate agent who you do not get along with, this can result in unnecessary and unwanted tension during an already stressful process. Make sure you jell well with the agent and feel comfortable when the two of you are together..   

When looking to find a good real estate agent, it always pays to go about it the right way.