You may have already learned – all real estate agents are not the same. So, there are certain questions you should ask when evaluating a potential real estate agent. The first question you should ask is whether or not the agent is a member of the National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR). These agents are bound to a strict code of ethics, and are recognized as professionals. You should then ask:

• Does the agent have an active real estate license in good standing? To find this information, you can check with your state’s governing agency.




• Does the agent belong to a Multiple Listing Service (MLS)? Multiple Listing Services are cooperative information networks of REALTORS^® that provide descriptions of most houses for sale in a particular region.




• Is real estate their full-time career? If you needed surgery, you wouldn’t want a part-time, amateur surgeon, right? You should feel the same about the professional handling the biggest investment you may ever make.




• What extra qualifications does the agent hold? Good agents obtain extra training to become an Accredited Buyer’s Agent Representative. They may also hold designations from the Graduate REALTOR^® Institute.




• In exchange for your commitment, how will the agent help you accomplish your goals? They should show you homes that meet your requirements after providing you a list of the properties he or she plans to show you.

It’s important to find the right REALTOR® for your specific needs. If you would like a place to start, please feel free to contact me. I’m happy to help you have a great home selling and/or buying experience!