How to Choose a Real Estate Agent

First, you need to know the differences in the terminology. The term “real estate agent” and “broker” are often interchanged and can mean the same thing depending on geography. The term “agent” is often the blanket title used when referring to most real estate professionals, though it may not reflect the highest level of training they have completed.

An “agent” is licensed by the state’s real estate commission, which means they have completed prerequisite courses and passed an exam.

A “broker” has experience as an agent, completed additional training courses, earned certifications, and usually has some managerial responsibility within a real estate company.

A “REALTOR®” is an official member of the National Association of REALTORS®, a voluntary step that makes them a part of an organization of over 1.3 million agents, brokers, and appraisers involved in the business of residential and commercial real estate. They abide to a high standard ethics and have access to a wealth of training available to association members.

Look at several agents’ interests, career focuses, trainings, and certifications and then narrow it down to a few that seem to best fit your requirements and needs. For example, if you are looking for new construction, there are training designations that an agent can earn that provide extra knowledge in the details of working with a builder, contractors, and specific bank financing. If you are looking for bank-owned property. there are agents that have specialized experience in Real Estate Owned (REO) property, which means the home is owned by the bank.

When you’ve narrowed down your list, interview those agents to see how their personality fits your own. Ask about their level of experience, their track record, referrals or reviews, what skills they have that will assist your individual concerns or needs, and how easily they can be reached by you during the overall process.