What should you look for in this kind of agent?


When you are looking to purchase a home and have decided that you would like an agent that is working for you during the process what are some of the questions you should ask?
It is very important to look at the training and certifications the agent has obtained. These certifications are focused on education and skills presented for the agent to use in conducting real estate transactions. The better trained and experienced the agent is will pay off in terms of service and achievement of your real estate goals.
You should also compare to see how many transactions the agent has performed in this capacity.  Experience counts. 
Ask about market conditions and compare the answers the agents provide and make the choice on the person you feel will best fit your needs.
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December 29 2009 - Southold
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Answers (6)

Profile picture for Mark LeMenager
Hi Jerry, what's up?  You going to post this ad in every neighborhood you work in?  Check out my reply by clicking my picture.
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January 14 2010
Profile picture for Kirk Dirksen
When yo'ure looking for an agent to represent you I think that it is more important to find a realtor that is competent than one who has a ton of certifications.  Just because someone took a class on a specific topic doesn't mean they are more qualified than someone who hasn't.  Experience comes in many forms, some people learn in classrooms and others learn through real world experiences.  Ask people who have purchased a home  recently and see if they were happy with their agent.  An agent can have piles of certifications and no social skills which in my opinion would not make a good agent.  Also a person that is a social butterfly may not be qualified to get you through the transaction.  Sit down with an agent and talk with them and see if they are someone you feel comfortable with.  If they can communicate with you then they have that social capability.  Next, ask them about the local market and this will determine if they have the knowledge to get you through the transaction smoothly.  If they pass these 2 simple test then I don't think it matters if they have 0 certifications or 50, they are qualified.
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January 07 2010
Profile picture for sunnyview
Howie would be a very bad realtor indeed. I mean who wants your buy side agent yelling "Deal or no deal!!?" when you are looking at houses.

I think certifications are irrelevant to whether you have a good agent. I have known too many good agents without them to rely on classroom training certifications. Market knowledge and honesty rank much higher for me as a client than designations. Experience does count, but some agents who have been in business for along time have forgotten how to listen to their clients. If you are a buyer who meets an agent who does not listen or seems less than forthright, I would thank them and move on.
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December 30 2009

A Buyer's agent should be able to spend time to get to know you.  A good Buyer's agent knows the homes that are currently on the market and shows you homes that will work for you based on your family's needs/desires, not just the ones that are easy to get into.  

Industry designations are good, but they are earned in a classroom and not out in the trenches.  An inexperienced agent may be good at the showing or "selling" part of our job, but how well will they protect you and your money? 

The busiest agent is not always your best bet either.  It is a fine line.  Are you dealing with the agent or their assistant?  Who is really doing all the work for you?  The agent or their assistant? Who answers your calls and questions? 
I guess the bottom line is to find an agent that has exensive experience, time available to work with and for you.

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December 29 2009
Profile picture for MikeEmery
You need a Realtor that is willing to shake hands with you.

Howie Mandel would be a bad Realtor.
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December 29 2009
Profile picture for wetdawgs
I look for good photos and avoid those with sleazy photos.
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December 29 2009
 

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