First Time Home Buyers FAQ #3

Q: How do I find a good agent to represent me?

A: According to Gerri Willis, host of CNN’s Open House, these are your top questions to ask of an agent you are considering. My answers are either embedded or answered in parentheses.

1. How experienced are you in the market I’m looking for, and do you work full time?
   
2. Are you an expert in the sorts of properties or neighborhoods I am interested in? (See sidebar links!)
3. Are you a member of the National Association of Realtors? (I’ll have to write a blog entry about this sometime …. I always considered this the bare minimum, so haven’t even thought to think about it… but it does get to ethics, which is very very very important)
4. How many clients have you worked with this year? Her answer: An agent who juggles too many customers often leaves important details to underlings who may be too junior to follow up efficiently. This may require reading between the lines. If the candidate doesn’t respond to your phone calls in a timely manner, that’s a clue to look elsewhere. (see my recent rant about voicemail)
5. Will you review new listings throughout the week and call me right away about the ones that fir my parameters? (the agent is a moron if they don’t do this)
6. What’s your sense of the market I’m interested in? (hopefully that’s communicated throughout this blog, but I’ll gladly share my take, just give me a call)
7. How do you communicate with clients? (whatever suits them best)
8. Can you give me references from five recent clients? (see sidebar for one, more on my website).