How to Choose a REALTOR®

When you’re ready to buy or sell a home, you want someone by your side who will provide you with valuable insight and expertise every step of the way. To get started, follow these steps: 87732084

  • Do your research.
Drive around your neighborhood or the area you’d like to live in, and write down the names and telephone numbers of the active REALTORS® in the area. Call real estate companies for recommendations, and specify whether you are buying or selling a home.

And ask your friends and neighbors for the names of REALTORS® they know and respect. According to the 2009 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 38 percent of all recent buyers were referred to their real estate agent through a friend, neighbor or relative.

Visit www.REALTOR.com today to search for REALTORS® in your area.

  • Interview agents.
Ask at least three REALTORS® about their real estate philosophy; their experience; continuing education and training; and referral network or home inspectors, lenders, contractors, etc. If you’re selling your home, ask about the number of homes sold in the past year, the length of time the home was on the market, the average sales price in relation to asking price, and the REALTOR’S® marketing plan.

  • Make sure your agent is a REALTOR®.
A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate professional who is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, and abides by the REALTORS® code of ethics and standards of practice.