Write an article based on this "Learn what credentials a good agent should have. Look up awards and licensing. Talk to past clients. Watch for red flags. Keep an open mind."
One designation many agents have is that of Realtor. A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). To receive that distinction (it's actually a trademark), an agent must undergo additional training, demonstrate appropriate professional skills, and subscribe to the NAR code of ethics. Other designations to look for include: ABR, or Accredited Buyer's Representative. This means the agent has passed courses in buyer representation and would know how to protect your interests when negotiating a purchase or a mortgage. MRP, or Military Relocation Professional. An agent who is an MRP has experience working with military personnel and their families. CIPS, or a Certified International Property Specialist. If you want to buy property overseas, an agent with this designation will know exactly how to help you. SRES, or Seniors Real Estate Specialist. If you are over 50, an SRES is a good choice, as s/he specializes in meeting your particular needs. Your agent must have a current license. Make sure your agent has completed all the proper training before doing business with him/her. Your state has a real estate regulatory board, which can be found online. Your agent's name should be listed on the website among the licensed agents in the area. You can also check to see if there's been any disciplinary action or complaints about an agent. You might not want to work with someone who has a reputation for dishonesty in the community. Any prizes such as an "Agent of the Year" award are also a plus. If you're looking for the best possible option, it's a good idea to select someone who has stood out from the crowd during the course of a career. A good agent will gladly provide you with a list of past clients on request. You can contact these people and ask them for an honest assessment of the agent's skills. In addition, seek out reviews and testimonials online. Look on the agent's website or review sites like Yelp to see what others are saying about the agent. A good question to ask past clients is the difference between the asking price and selling price in their case. This will give you a sense of how well the agent was able to reduce prices for buyers or maintain prices for sellers. Ask the client about their overall experience. Ask if the agent could have done anything better, whether the client would recommend the agent to a friend, and what the agent's strengths and weaknesses are. Remember to account for human subjectivity. Some people are difficult to please, so you should contact more than one past client to get an accurate read. There are a few warning signs you should watch for when selecting an agent. If you're selling your home, and the agent immediately suggests a very high listing price, this is a bad sign. Pricing a home too high means it could take a lot longer to sell. An experienced professional will know better than to do this except in a very hot market. An agent who only works part time might not be the best choice. They tend to be less experienced and less dedicated to their clients. If the agent does not typically deal with the kind of property you're buying or selling, try to find another agent. Find someone who can cater to your specific needs. Do not pick someone who does not usually deal with people looking to buy in your price range. As agents are paid on commission, they'll pay more attention to wealthier clients. If your agent typically deals with luxury homes, and you're looking for a modest starting home, that agent may not necessarily be helpful for you. A good Realtor may not fit all of your criteria, but they might be well-equipped to help you. Don't immediately discount Realtors for things like a lack of experience or sales. Be willing to go with a newer Realtor if they seem motivated, hard-working, and knowledgeable.