May 12, 2008
Choosing a Realtor?
Are you planning to Buy or Sell a home? Wondering how to Find a good Realtor?
 
If so, here are my two recommendations:
1.      Ask people you know if they have a GOOD Realtor referral
2.      Search top real estate sites, like Realtor.com, Trulia, HomeGain.com
 
Once you have located a few potential agents, here are some good questions to ask:
1.      What percentage of your clients come from Referrals?
2.      How many home sales or purchase transactions have you closed in your career?
3.      What specific advanced real estate education, training or certifications have you earned?
4.      Are you a member of the National Association of Realtors?
5.      As a Listing Agent:
a.       What was your List Price to Sales Price Ratio last year?
b.      What was your On Market Average last year?
c.       How much money do you spend on average to market each home?
d.      Do you or your Assistant talk to your clients more?
6.      As a Buyer’s Agent:
a.       How many clients do you serve at one time?
b.      Are you available evenings and weekends?
c.       How do you make sure your clients see EVERY home that may work for them?
d.      Do you review Settlement Statements and attend Escrow signings with your clients?
 
If you want to make sure your real estate purchase or sale is a good experience, ask for a good referral from people you trust, and then be prepared to ask good questions.