What You Need to Know When Choosing a Realtor to Represent You - Make an Educated Decision

• How many years has the agent been licensed?
• How many closed transactions did the agent personally have last year?
• Is the agent experienced in the neighborhood you are looking in (where do they live, where is their office, is there a supervising broker's office in town)?
• Is the agent experienced in the type of property you are looking for - residential, land, commercial?
• Does the agent have additional credentials, certificates, areas of expertise, etc.?
• Does the agent have a list of recent references?
• Is the agent prepared with local area information?
• Does the agent have a support staff?
• Does the agent have referrals to lenders, inspectors, etc.?
• Does the agent have a written commitment for the service level they will provide?
• How many years has the agent lived in the area?
• What is the agent's availability? Do they work weekends?
• Ask the agent directly - How will you represent me/us?
• Does the agent have contractual knowledge (example: can they explain the liquidated damages clause in the purchase contract)?
• Are you comfortable with the agent - is there a good repore between you?
• Are they a Realtor? (Not all agents are)  This is very important! Ask the agent to explain why

Ask Yourself

• Will this agent do a good job of representing me?
• Is the agent professional?
• Is the agent knowledgeable?
• Is the agent experienced?
• Will this agent put my best interest first?
• Does this agent come across like a salesperson or a service provider?
• What are you looking for, salesperson or a service provider?