How do you select your real estate agent? You have so many options, but you need to be smart when it comes to choosing which Realtor to work with. To help you make the right choice, here’s what you need to do:
1. Use word of mouth. Talk to people you know and find out if your family or friends have worked with real estate professionals. Determine what kind of experience they had.
2. Ask around town. Good Realtors are typically involved in their community and social activities, so talk to people in your town and see if they know one.
3. Use the internet. The internet provides access to a wealth of information about what real estate agents are doing. You can find out how many properties are being sold by an agent and what types of exposure your agent might have on the Internet.
"Ask about the marketing plan the agent is offering."
4. Use the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Virtually every Realtor website enables you to access the MLS. By using this tool, you can judge whether the agents you find online have the expertise you're looking for.
5. Check license designations. Do this by visiting the Massachusetts Association of Realtors under the Realtors Board of Registration.
6. Conduct interviews. Find out if your agent is a full-time broker, how many years of experience they have, how many homes the agent has listed in the last two years, and how many of those were expired listings. Also, inquire about the marketing plan the agent offers to expose your property locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally.
7. Check if they’re prepared. During the meeting with an agent, see if they come prepared with documentation or information on recent price listings that are similar to your property. Also, you need to learn about the type of agency the agent is offering. Some specialize with buyers, some with sellers, and many represent both. Ensure that they clearly communicate and abide by the legal requirements of representation.
If you have any thoughts, questions, or concerns, feel free to reach out. Call or email me anytime. I look forward to hearing from you!
