agent has the licenses and certifications required for them to work as a qualified real estate agent. Some agents even get additional specialized training to add to their names. Some of the most common designations include: • CRS (Certified Residential Specialist): Completed additional training in handling residential real estate. • ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative): Completed additional education in representing buyers in transactions. • SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist): Completed training aimed at helping buyers and sellers in the 50-plus age range. As mentioned above, a real estate agent can also be a Realtor®, which means he/she is an official member of the NAR (National Association of REALTORS®). Tip 5: Look at the Agent’s Recent Home Sales and Current Listings Look at their recent home sales. How successful have they been? Do they specialize in the type of home you’re interested in purchasing? This is key, because their successful track record in home sales and specialization means that there’s a good chance that they’ll have plenty of properties for you to look at, as well as get you an “in” with the sellers to negotiate a great deal for your home purchase. Check out an agent’s listings online, says Stephen Anderson, director of the Consumer Federation of America (Bank rate). Some specific places you can look include the real estate agency’s website as well as Realtor.com. On such sites, you can use a searchable online database of properties available.
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