Otherwise, call the numbers and inquire from them the asking price as well as the final sales price. This way, you can figure out the similarities between the properties that the agent sold and yours. After all, you will most definitely want an agent who specializes within the area of what you’re buying. GIVE THE “WHAT ELSE” TEST A good agent will know about all the other properties for sale in the area. Also, a good agent always does their research regarding the events in the current market, and those that are out there for the taking. In short, you want an agent who’s an expert of the current market, and Learning the type of market presence that a real estate agent has is the best way to figure them out. Ideally, you’re going to want an agent who has been in the business for at least five years, 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’re not comfortable with asking the agent directly. You’re better off with an agent who’s engaged actively in one area and price range — e.g., residential homes around the $100,000 to $150,000 someone who always stays on top of things. RESEARCH THEIR BUSINESS ACTIVITY Once you know the area of specialization of the agent you’re considering working with, check out the available current listings under contract. Browse to the agent’s own website (every “in the know” real estate agent maintains a website today) as well as Realtor.com, a website that builds multiple properties for sale, known as the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), within an online database that you can search. You can search by agent. Most buyers will start searching on the Internet. Therefore, if an agent doesn’t have much of an online presence, or one period, then it’s best range or the $400,000 and up range. CHECK THEIR CURRENT LISTINGS
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