What qualities should you look for in your realtor?

jane-field-real-estate-agent Find a realtor who listens well. Nothing is more frustrating than looking at the wrong properties! Having said that, be sure you try to be a good communicator too. Your realtor can do a better job if she or he can know what type of property you wish to buy. There is no advantage in keeping your realtor guessing.

The next trait to look for is attitude. You have to feel that the realtor will devote the necessary energy towards your search. That realtor should be showing sincere interest in your positive outcome.

Look for experienced realtors. There is no substitute for this. The more transactions a realtor has been through, the better they know the potential for problems, the better they know our areas' idiosyncrasies, the better they know laws and by-laws, the good and not so good re-sale areas etc. A realtor knowing in advance what the problems can be, goes a long way to preventing problems for you, the consumer.

Don't fall for "come-on" advertising. Discounts and offers for guaranteed sales and free this and that most certainly do not guarantee quality service.

Choosing a realtor should be a lifetime choice, just like your dentist or accountant. Once you have bought or sold with your realtor and the experience was a good one, plan on using that realtor in the future and recommending that realtor to others. Once the loyalty is established you'll be amazed at how good your relationship with your realtor can be.

Realtors are a professional group and as a whole they are dedicated to providing a complete service with the clients' best interests at heart.

Continue reading how to find the right real estate agent from the beginning. Download a printable version and read it later.