Selecting a realtor to manage a real estate transaction is one of modern life’s more stressful undertakings. Most people don’t sell or buy multiple homes throughout their lifetime, or on anything resembling a routine basis -; so when the time comes to select an agent -; it’s often difficult to know the questions to ask or the negatives to look for. There are some basic rules, however, of things to consider and they’ll be discussed here.
To start, it’s never a bad idea to check with the state Board of Realtors in your state to ensure that the agent you’re considering is licensed and for how long. While speaking with them, or more likely, checking their website, check to see if there have been any disciplinary actions against their license.
A good reputation is gold to a real estate agent and he will do everything in his power to protect it. You still, however, need to check it for yourself. There are a couple of ways to do this: the first involves asking in your community for impressions, and also asking the agent himself for several past clients’ contact details. Take both glowing reviews and dark warnings with a grain of salt. States are only now cracking down on paid positive reviews and even a perfect agent can’t make everyone happy all the time. Use the Internet to your advantage here, as well. Google the agent’s name and check out the results.
Since you’ll be communicating primarily through email and the phone, pick up the phone and call them. How often do you get them? Even more importantly, how long does it take them to get back to you with an answer to your question? Do the same check with an email message.
Another question to consider: Is this agent working full-time or part-time? Typically, you want someone who is 100% dedicated to the real estate profession and working hard at it. It’s hard to be successful at anything that you only devote part of your time to it.
Whether you’re looking for Houses For Sale or looking to sell in the Lake of the Ozarks or Osage Beach area, Team Jane Kelly (Janekelly.com) is a group of realtors who are passionate about their professional and ethical commitment to both the area they work in and the clients they serve.
