How to Choose a Realtor

Choosing a realtor is one of the most important steps in the process of buying or selling.  A realtor is bound by certain legal obligations and puts their clients’ needs first and keeps all information confidential. 

How to Choose a Realtor
Choosing a realtor starts with interviewing different realtors.  However, it is necessary to know what questions to ask the realtor/s when you are interviewing them to see if they would be a good match.  Following is a list of question to ask the realtor to ensure that you are choosing a realtor that has the know-how and experience to make the buying / selling process a pleasant experience.

1. Does the agent have an active real estate license in good standing?
2. How will the agent advertise your home?  Will it be marketed in the Multiple Listing Service?  Will there be information on the home online?  Will the real estate agent show the home through open houses and private showing? 
3. Is real estate the agent’s full time job?
4. How long have they been in the real estate industry?
5. What real estate designations does the agent hold?
6. What makes the agent the best agent to represent you?
7. What makes the agent a specialist?
8. How will the agent communicate?
9. How will they help to ensure that your home is presented in the best possible light?  Will they guide your through pointers that will help to raise the value of the home and its appeal.
10. Will the real estate agent strictly work to represent you or will they offer services to the buyer / seller as well?
11. How will the real estate agent help you to reach your goals?  How much time are they allotting to see that you achieve this?  What is their commitment to you.
12. Make sure that the realtor is a good fit for your home.  If the realtor does not have a great amount of experience selling condos, and you have a condo, then consider finding one that specializes in condos. 
13. Ask the agent any organizations they belong to.

Make sure that you are comfortable with the agent.  You are going to be spending a great amount of time with the realtor and you should not be hindered at all.  Communication is important and you should feel completely comfortable with the realtor and be able to be open and ask questions freely.

About the Author: Mike Pannell is a Dallas Real Estate agent helping both sellers and buyers complete their real estate transactions. For more blogs & articles about the Texas Real Estate market please visit our Dallas Real Estate blog.