How to hire the right real estate agent

When you are looking for a REALTOR®, you are looking for a person with expertise and professional knowledge. If you are not getting those qualities from the agents you are interviewing, keep on looking until you find a professional REALTOR® who can help you achieve your goals.

The biggest mistakes consumers make when hiring a REALTOR®:

Choosing an agent based on commission rate.
Choosing the agent with the highest market analysis.
Choosing an agent without the time available to work with you.
Choosing an agent without experience or advanced training.
Choosing an agent based on “fluff” that sounds great but produces lousy results.
Hiring a part-time agent.
Hiring an agent unfamiliar with the area.
Not checking out the references the agent provides.

Kiplingers, a Washington, D.C. based consumer magazine suggests:

1. Hire a REALTOR® (Code of Ethics, Professional Organization)
2. Seek a full time, experienced agent.
3. Ask for strong credentials.
4. Demand references from satisfied clients.
5. Make sure the agent does their homework.
6. Make sure the agent is accessible.
7. Expect a detailed marketing plan.