Your state will have a license board for all active REALTORS® and agents, which you can easily access. You will also be able to see their contact information, disciplinary actions, complaints, or any other information that you’ll need to help influence your decision — especially since most of the information is now posted online.
GIVE THE “WHAT ELSE” TEST
A REALTOR® will know about all the other properties for sale in the area. Also, a REALTOR® always does their research regarding the events in the current market, and those homes that are out there for the taking. In short, you want a REALTOR® who is an expert of the current market, and someone who always stays on top of things.
RESEARCH THEIR BUSINESS ACTIVITY
Learning the type of market presence that a REALTOR® has is the best way to figure them out. Ideally, you are going to want an agent who specializes in one or two real estate markets, and who understands which types of homes and amenities are available within your price range. You can unearth this information by asking them or by asking the state licensing authority if you are not comfortable with asking the agent directly. You are better off with a REALTOR® who is engaged actively in one area and price range — e.g., residential homes around the $100,000 to $453,099 range, $453,100 to $999,999 range, or the $1,000,000 and up range.
GOING THE BUYER'S AGENT ROUTE
Now, you are ready to take the plunge and look for a place to call “home.” To make the best use of your time and energy, hire a
11
Powered by FlippingBook