How to Find a Quality Real Estate Agent

For those looking to buy or sell a home, hiring a quality real estate agent can make all the difference.

However, hiring the wrong real estate agent can turn one's dream of homeownership into a real estate nightmare.

For this reason, it is important to find the best agent to meet your real estate needs.

Tips for Finding a Real Estate Agent

Find out if the real estate agent you are considering is a Realtor.

So, what is the difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor? The answer is a lot. While all Realtors are licensed to sell real estate as an agent or broker, not all real estate agents are Realtors. To be considered a Realtor, the agent or broker must be a member of the National Association of Realtors.

As members, Realtors have access to the organization's expansive education and real estate tools, which can give them an edge over non-member real estate agents. Additionally, Realtors must follow the National Association of Realtors' Code of Ethics, the organization's standards of practice that establish levels of conduct considered to be higher than ordinary business practices or those required by law.

Ask others about their experiences.

One of the best ways to find a quality real estate agent is to ask your friends, family, neighbors or coworkers about their experiences and whether or not they can recommend an agent. When a real estate agent does a good job, their clients typically want to refer them to others.

A quality real estate agent will make customer satisfaction one of his or her highest priorities and as such, should have clients who are willing to sing their praises.

Research agent listings on the Internet.

You can acquire a great deal of information about a real estate agent online. There are many referral web sites that can direct you to agents who paid to be included on their listings.

You also can acquire additional information on real estate agents by searching for the top real estate companies in your area and then reading the profiles of a company's individual agents. These web sites also might include helpful customer testimonials.

Attend open houses in your area.

By attending an open house, you will be able to meet a real estate agent in person as well as watch him or her in action. If you are considering putting your house on the market, you will be able to find out how well the agent can show a home.

Does the agent come across as polite? Does he or she appear to be knowledgeable? You will be able to see first-hand if you are comfortable with how the agent handles business.

Ask other real estate agents for recommendations.

It should come as no surprise that other agents can offer valuable insight with regard to finding a quality real estate agent. Many might assume that an agent would not want to push business to his or her "competition."

However, many agents often specialize in various aspects of real estate, such as commercial or investment property. If you are looking to purchase a resale home, a real estate agent who works specifically with homebuilders might be able to assist you in your search.