How do you pick a realtor?

[malkin]

There are so many and many seem so sleezy!

[bmccasland]

One place to start is with reputable companies - ie larger firms. Or recommendations within your search area. My bank has a contract relocation program (lots of military customers) and I've had good luck with the realty companies they've put me with (Coldwell Banker) when I've moved cross-country. There is a certification program, and the realtors will wear a Realtor lapel pin. Your realtor should represent you, as either the buyer or the seller, looking out for your interests.

[shootingstar]

I agree to choose a realtor who is knowledgeable/specializes in a particular part of the area that you are selling/buying + type of homes.

When I sold my place, I dropped the lst realtor because she was too sales number oriented.

I did drop by realtor company office locally to find 2nd one and also looked at the ads of places she was selling.

She did not try to rush me, gave me lots of good advice on how to make home more marketable. I did ask directly about her commission which was abit lower than lst one. Also some interesting stories along the way, in general about the real estate business itself.

And you know what sold me to her as my agent? Somehow we ended up talking about the types of client she handled in natural course of conversation AFTER I selected her:

*Including a blind customer. What she did to assist to "show" the neighbourhood, house,etc.

*What some customers look for in "desirable" neighbours..in their view in same ethnic/racial group..terribly discriminatory selections..but people look at the directory of last names on highrise condo buildings. It's so sad..


I knew that I had made the right choice..

[Mr. Bloom]

If you're selling, you want THE realtor with THE company with the most For Sale signs in your area.

If you're buying, you want one you trust to be patient, tolerant, and knowledgable about THE area you're buying in.

[malkin]

Thanks, that all sounds like good advice.

We're hoping to sell a condo and buy a house in our same neighborhood.

[tulip]

Choose 3-5 based on recommendations, reputation, and knowledge of your area AND neighborhood (very important). Interview these 3-5 realtors--prepare the questions that are important to you. It's business; you should not be looking for a friend, but someone who will do the best job for you. If you have trouble with the interview part, act as if you are working for someone else and getting the best person for them. I find that helpful in looking out for my own interests.

Good book: 100 Questions Every First Time Homebuyer Should Ask. Even if you are not a first time homebuyer, you might find it very useful.