|
by Eric Bramlett
Everywhere
you look, there are advertisements for Real Estate, and for
Real Estate Agents. We're everywhere!
The
reason is pretty simple: It's not extremely difficult to get
your real estate license, a college degree is not required,
and the income potential is pretty
high.
Unfortunately,
this means that there are a lot of BAD Real Estate Agents out
there. The BEST way to find a good professional - in any
industry - is to ask for a referral from a trusted friend or
colleague. This does not, however, mean that any person
referred to you is a quality professional - everyone has a
brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or cousin who is in the
business, after all - but it will increase your odds. There
are a few questions that you should ask ANY Real Agent before
signing a buyer's agency or listing agreement.
1.
How long have you been in the business?
Pretty
much any average person could decide they want to get their
license today, and have that license in their mailbox a month
later. Because of this, your Real Estate Agent's experience is
VERY important. A new Agent will learn a LOT their first year, and will continue
to learn more with every transaction. Don't automatically
choose against a newer Agent - they typically bring a lot of
energy to the transaction, and they will have LOTS of time for
you. However, if you do decide to use a newer Agent, make sure
they have a great support system behind
them.
2.
Are you a Realtor?
Not
all Real Estate Agents are Realtors. Members of the National
Association of Realtors have to adhere to a strict code of
ethics, or otherwise face having their membership revoked.
Also, you must be a member of the National Association of
Realtors to have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service)
which is what gives Realtors access to almost every home for
sale in their market area.
3.
What certifications do you hold?
There
is an "alphabet soup" of advanced certifications that Real
Estate Agents can earn. While it doesn't automatically mean
that they are a good Agent, it does mean they are serious
about their job. Keep an eye out for GRI - this is the most
time consuming certification to obtain.
4.
What is your specialty?
Real
Estate Agents typically categorize themselves as either
"commercial" or "residential" which are vastly different. Even
among Residential Real Estate Agents, though, agents will
specialize in Buyers, Sellers, or Renters. Some Residential
Agents successfully handle Buyers & Sellers, but make sure
they come with plenty of satisfied customers. Agents typically
cut their teeth working with renters.
5.
Can I have a list of past customers?
Take
the time to call a few of an Agent's past customers. Ask for
their strengths and weaknesses (and make sure they don't share
the Agent's last name.)
6.
Who is your Broker? Can I call him/her?
Real
Estate Agencies are moving towards the "mega-brokerage"
mentality which means that many Agents today have never met
their Broker. If an agent doesn't have their Broker's cell
phone number, find out who they will call if they run into
questions.
7.
How many sales did you complete last
year?
A
good agent will complete at least 25 sales per calendar year.
You want to make sure that the agent helping you through the
largest purchase or sale of your life is a GOOD
agent.
8.
Is this your full-time job?
It
always surprises me how many people are willing to let their
office mate down the hall handle the purchase or sale of their
home. You need someone who handles real estate transactions
full-time, day in and day out, to make sure that your best
interests are taken care of.
There
are plenty of fantastic Real Estate Agents working today.
Unfortunately, the incompetent Agents really stand out. (Did
you hear about the Agent who contracted the wrong house?) Make
sure that you find your Agent through a trusted source, and
ask any Agent these important
questions.
|