Ways to Choose a Real Estate Agent

If you're shopping for a real estate agent, you'll always want the best no less. But with the huge number of prospects out there, how do you see through the hype?

Whether you're a seller or a buyer, below are tested and proven ways of assessing a real estate agent:

1. Talk with latest clients.

Ask agents to give you a list of what they have listed and sold in the last 12 months, with contact details. If you're selling, ask them if the relevant features of such properties - area, price, etc. - were similar to yours. You want someone who is a specialist in your type of property exactly. You should also ask the agent how long those homes have been on the market.

2. Verify licensing.

To know if your potential agent has a license and a clean disciplinary and consumer record, consult with your state's regulatory body. Most probably, this information is posted online.

4. Choose an agent with the proper credentials.

Doctors and lawyers have their specialties as real estate agents do. Even generalists get special training in certain areas. That's what those letters after an agent's name indicate - that the professional has completed courses in a particular field of real estate sales. Below are some of the most common designations, along with their meaning:

> CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)

> ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative)

> SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist)

Any agent who uses the capital "R" next to their name means he belongs to the National Association of Realtors. When you hire a Realtor, the most important benefit you get is working with someone who has formally vowed to following the code of ethics.

5. Research the agent's background in the business.

A state licensing authority will typically be able to let you know you how long an agent has been involved in the real estate industry. Or, simply ask the agent directly. If their experience is below 5 years, they're practically experimenting on you, which is not good. In the end, what you want is someone who is very actively engaged in a certain price range and area that is a good match to your property.

6. Review present listings.

Review an agent's online listings from aurora real estate. Explore their own website, as well as other sites providing an web-based database of properties in the Multiple Listing Service which you can search. Majority of buyers begin searching on the Internet, so you want an agent who can use the tool effectively.

7. Inquire about similar houses for sale in the area.

A good agent from remax aurora on is expected to know by heart any other properties that are being sold in the area where he works. Mention a certain house that was sold recently or is still up for sale. If the agent immediately recognizes such a property and will be able to give you details about it, that shows he really knows the area. To put it simply, you have to choose someone who's on top of the market.