Finding the right real estate agent for you

When it comes to choosing a real estate agent, people who do their homework can save thousands of dollars and experience a smooth financial and physical transition. It’s an important decision: what is most important to you? Does location matter most? Do you need a townhouse with a garage? A condo? Room for your children to run around? Are you looking to buy an investment property, a weekend place, or a full-time family home? There is a real estate agent who specializes in what’s on the top of your list. How can you find that agent?

• Ask friends and family members for referrals.
• If you've found the general area in which you'd like to move, do an informal survey by driving through neighborhoods and viewing yard signs. Seeing the same name pop up time after time may indicate that person is a specialist in that location.
• Pay attention to designations. This is how you will know in what a real estate agent specializes, like ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist), CRP (Certified Relocation Professional), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist).
• Once you have your list narrowed down to about three real estate professionals, schedule interviews. Agents may ask to meet at your home whether you are selling or buying; seeing how you live and asking you questions about your current residence can help an agent narrow down your options.
• If selling, ask the agent how he or she would establish a price. You may request a Comparative Market Analysis, also called a CMA, which shows the actual market value of similar homes in the area.
• If selling, ask the agent how he or she would market your property.
• Ask the agent how often you should expect to hear from him or her. It’s surprising how often you may need to be in touch. Know how and when you will communicate to avoid unrealistic expectations. Pay attention to the agent's office hours and whether or not you will be invited to access them via a cell phone, pager or e-mail.
• Ask how long the agent has been in real estate. While is not the most important factor, it may demonstrate the agent's experience. Ask if they have won any awards.
• Pay attention to the agent's listening skills. Does he or she cut you off before you've finished a sentence? There's nothing worse than looking at houses you have no interest in because the agent has not listened carefully, or having your home on the market too long because the wrong buyers are targeted.
• Ask the agent what his or her fee structure is. Do they require a percentage of the sales price, do they work for a flat fee, or will they be paid by the seller (if you're the buyer)?

If you aren’t satisfied with the agent's plan or personality, feel free to repeat the process with another agent. It may take time to meet with multiple agents, but the right match means the right home and more money in your pocket.