Tips for Selecting A Real Estate Professional
Most Americans agree that when it comes to buying or selling a home they need the guidance of a real estate professional. Statistics show that almost eighty percent of home buyers and sellers enlist the help of a real estate agent and/or broker (The 2000 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers).

Real estate brokers and agents are licensed by the state. A broker may own a small company and work alone or may be responsible for supervising a number of agents in a larger company in which he/she may or may not have any ownership interest. The broker and agent usually represent the seller or buyer with whom they are working. The seller's agent represents the interests of the seller while the buyer's agent represents the interests of the buyer. Many people do not realize that every real estate agent is not a REALTOR. REALTORS are real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.

Finding Potential Agents

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it's a good idea to interview two or three real estate agents before selecting the one with whom to work. There are several ways to find potential agents to interview. Ask family, friends, and business associates for referrals. Attend open houses. If the agent impresses you, ask for a business card. Drive through neighborhoods that interest you and look for yard signs to see what companies are handling sales there. When referred to a company, rather than an individual, call and ask to speak with the broker. Ask the broker to recommend an experienced agent, or ask for a newer agent if you prefer. Read local newspapers and real estate publications. Call a local real estate office and ask them to refer you to an agent in another city if you are moving out of town.

Before you meet and interview the agents, think about the things you need to know and develop a list of questions to ask. Whether you are buying or selling, the agent should explain the entire process up front. Sellers can use the listing presentation to compare agents on their preparation and professionalism. Both buyers and sellers can ask questions to determine the agent's experience, knowledge and motivation to help.

Questions to Ask

Here are some possible questions.
  • Do you work full or part time?
  • How long have you been selling homes in this area?
  • How familiar are you with the areas I am considering?
  • Will you be representing me?
  • What percentage of your business comes from referrals and repeat clients?
  • How many sales have you closed in the past 12 months?
  • How many homes did you list in the past year?
  • How many of them sold?
  • How close was the closed sale price to the asking price?
  • What is the average number of days to sell a home in this area?
  • How will you guide us in preparing the house to be listed and shown?
  • What is your marketing plan for our home?
  • How will you advertise our home?
  • Will our listing be on the Internet? Where?
  • Do you recommend holding an open house?
  • What else will you do to get the word out about our house?
  • How will you go about finding a home for us?
  • What kind of paperwork will be required?
  • How often can we expect to hear from you?
  • Do you offer any kind of a service guarantee?
  • What do you expect of us?

    Sellers should be wary of selecting a real estate agent based on selling price or commission. It's best to consider the market analysis carefully and set a realistic price. Focus on the agent's marketing plan, service, and past results. Low commissions may be very appealing, but a seller is likely to net more with a winning marketing plan and proper pricing since it often results in a faster sale at a better price.

    Whether you are buying or selling, select a full time agent who is knowledgeable and with whom you feel comfortable. This will most likely lead to a productive and mutually rewarding relationship and a home purchased or sold in as smooth a transaction as possible.

       

 

Prudential Olympia, REALTORS®
2630 Martin Way
Olympia, WA 98506
Email: info@prudentialolympiarealtors.com
Phone: 360-456-4486
Fax: 360-456-4980
Toll free: 800-956-4486
is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America.
2000-2001, An independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.
Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Opportunity Employer
All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.
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