“If they haven’t been in business five years, they’re learning on you and that’s not good,” says Robert Irwin, author of Tips & Traps for Negotiating Real Estate (Bankrate). Ultimately, the agent you want on your side is someone who is actively engaged in your particular area of interest and within your price range, and someone who can actually demonstrate knowledge of the area and homes you can afford.
Tip 4: Choose an Agent with the Right Credentials
Just because someone says they’re a real estate agent doesn’t mean they possess the right credentials and qualifications. Think about it. You wouldn’t hire an electrician without checking their credentials and qualifications, would you? What about doctors? They have their credentials and qualifications displayed on their walls for all patients to view. In the same way, you should make sure your potential buyer’s 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
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