There are bucketfuls of real estate agents in our area and choosing someone can seem overwhelming. Often you’ll probably feel like you’re the one who’s been chosen. How will you find the agent that feels like the right fit for you?

People meet REALTOR’s in a variety of ways.

• By referral – Being referred by a friend or family member is usually a GREAT way to meet an agent. If they impressed your friend/family member, they’ll probably impress you.
• Open houses – you can meet a variety of personailty types. Important note… once you’re working with the agent you’ve chosen, make sure you identify them to the agents at other open houses to avoid any conflicts later. An Internet search may be a good way to meet an agent, especially if you’re impressed with their online presence. If you’re having trouble deciding, there’s nothing wrong with setting up an interview with 2 or 3 of us. When you make your choice, the winning agent would probably be happy to call the agents who weren’t successful to give them the bad news… I know I’ve done that many times for the people who ended up becoming my happy clients!

Things to think about?

• Are they experienced enough so that you’re comfortable. RE/MAX is usually a good bet because that’s where successful agents typically move up to from the “starter” Brokers. Other Brokers have experienced agents too but they MUST constantly recruit new people into the business. Recruitment and retention is their mantra. New agents at RE/MAX almost always come from those other Brokers.
• Do they have a vested interest in selling every single one of their listings or are they a “mega team” primarily interested in self promotion to keep the big engine going? Mega teams who try to have a “For Sale” or “Sold” sign on every street corner are bound to sell a percentage of their inventory. Most full time career real estate agents really try hard to sell every single listing.
• Are you considering using a close friend or family member with a real estate license? Keep in mind, the person you pick to represent you gets to know you very well. They learn just how much you earn, how much and to whom you owe money, your credit score and other intimate details of your life. Another unlikely but possible drawback is the possibility that something might go wrong which could do irreparable damage to your relationship. If a detail is forgotten or something happens during the process that you perceive as being the agents fault, your personal relationship may never be the same.

Some time ago, I had a chance to represent a couple who were recently married and tied to me through family. They each wanted to sell a town house and then buy one big house together. Potentially a good chunk of income for me if I successfully participated in all three sales. I declined the business, it just wasn’t worth the risk, no matter how small. I put them in touch with another REALTOR who helped them sell their homes and buy a new one and everything was fine. If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t change a thing because of what could have happened. For some relationships there is no price tag.

Most real estate agents are completely professional, thorough and will do a fine job helping you with your real estate needs. Finding an agent that you can continue a relationship with for years to come and who you wouldn’t hesitate to refer to your family or friends is what I hope you’ll find in me.