WHEN CHOOSING A REALTOR, YOU SHOULD:
-
Feel comfortable with his or her professional work style and knowledge.
-
Ask specific questions about the neighborhoods in which you are interested. You should feel comfortable that your agent has a thorough knowledge of the area, taxes, deed restrictions, resale values, new construction, financing, community activities, and schools, etc.
-
Feel that your agent will dedicate 100 percent of his or her resources to working for you.
-
Enter into a Residential Buyer Representation Agreement, which makes your Realtor a partner who works exclusively for you.
-
Interview multiple agents and go with your gut. To determine the one who fits best with your needs, make sure to ask the right questions.
QUESTIONS TO ASK:
-
Is your agent associated with a company that is active in your market area?
-
Will your agent provide the marketing and research support necessary to be successful in finding you a home?
-
Does your agent have strong working relationships with agents from other firms in your areas of interest?
-
Does your agent’s company assist corporate transferees?
-
Is your agent’s firm a member of a Relocation network?
-
Is your agent a member of the National Association of Realtors® and the Houston Association of Realtors®?
-
Does your agent have access to Multiple Listing Services® (MLS)?
-
What is your agent’s background? Is he/she a full-time real estate professional?
ADDITIONAL TIPS
-
Your agent should be able to show you any home listed for sale and suggest other listings that may fit your needs, even if they are another company’s listings.
-
When you attend an open house without your agent, notify the listing agent that you have a working relationship with another Realtor®, either verbally or by signing your agent’s name on the open house register. Likewise, if you see an ad for a house you are interested in, tell your agent and they will obtain information on the home for you.