Are you trying to find a qualified real estate agent in your area? Are you coming up empty everywhere that you look? If so, you need to consider that the real estate market is a big one. For this reason, finding an agent should not be a process that puts you through fits. Remember, everyday thousands of people communicate with their real estate agent; there is no reason that you cannot be next. In spite of the "how to" books and articles stressing ways to interview and employ a real estate agent, most people hire one by the luck of the draw. The person who answers the phone or is seated behind the desk when a customer makes initial contact is the agent who gets the job. Other scientific selection methods are based on a postcard announcing a neighbor's new real estate license.
That's not a cop out. It really does depend on a lot of things, and most of all, it depends on you. Forget those alphabetic designations (GRI, CRI, each is more reflective of the ability to tolerate a hard chair than any real expertise) or the total sales achieved last year. Who you are as a person and a consumer, and what you know or don't know about real estate are the keys to picking the right agent. Therefore, the most important interview is one you should conduct with yourself before you start questioning prospective agents.
The best way to find a real estate agent is through the referral of a friend or family member. Why is this the best idea, you may ask? Simply put, when you find an agent this way you know exactly what you are getting. Not only do you know that the agent is more than capable, but you can also ask the person who is referring questions that may be on your mind. For most people who are looking for an agent, this is much better than hoping that they find somebody who they will mesh with.
Of course, asking a friend or family member for a real estate agent referral is not always possible. If you are stuck, you should start by looking in your local phone book. This is only the first step, but one that you must take. Once you do this it is safe to say that you will have a large list of qualified agents in front of you. From there, good old fashioned hard work is the only thing that stands between you and making the proper selection. You should call at least five real estate agents on the phone, and from there explain your situation and see what they have to say. There is a very good chance that some agents will fit in with what you are looking for, whereas others will put you off from the second that you begin to speak with them. Once narrowing down your selection, you will then need to make a final decision on which agent is best for you.
There are tens of thousands of real estate agents spread out all over the United States. No matter where you live, you should be able to find an agent or two in your area that is more than willing to help you reach either your buying or selling related goals.
