Choosing the Best Real Estate Agent

There’s no doubt that a real estate agent can make or break a home search., especially in the current real estate market where offers are being made on many homes within 24 hours of them entering the market!

Below are some things to consider when looking for the best real estate agent in your area.

Check Credentials and Areas of Specialty

Just as doctors specialize, so do real-estate agents. And even generalists will get additional training in some areas.

Here’s what some of the designations that you may come across in your search and what they mean:

• CRS(Certified Residential Specialist): Completed additional training in handling residential real estate.
• ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative): Completed additional education in representing buyers in a transaction.
• SRES(Seniors Real Estate Specialist): Completed training aimed at helping buyers and sellers in the 50-plus age range. 

Along with credentials, many real estate agents will specialize in certain areas or neighborhoods. Therefore, when looking for a real estate agent to help you find your new home or sell your existing home, find an agent with a thorough understanding of the area! 

Check References

Whether you’re buying or selling, you want to make sure you find a real estate agent who you can trust to represent you throughout the process. Always ask agents you are considering using to provide a list of what they’ve listed and sold in the past year, including contact information of references you can talk to about their experiences.

Furthermore, check with your state’s regulatory body to find out if the person is licensed and if there have been any disciplinary actions or complaints, or check to see if the information is posted online.

Choose an Agent with Experience

There are several things that are essential when choosing your real estate agent, but years of experience is one of the most important aspects. This agent will be representing you throughout the entire process; therefore, choose an agent with years of experience so that they are equipped to handle anything that arises.

Also, check and see if he or she has any awards, like the “Realtor of the Year” title awarded by the state or local branch of NAR (National Association of Realtors).

Check Real Estate Agent’s Listings

A quick search online will determine how many current listings each agent you are considering has active. The best way to obtain accurate information about current listings is to visit the agency’s website.

Why is this important? Because you can look at how closely the agent’s listings mirror the property you want to buy or sell. Are they in the same area? Is the price range similar? You can also see if the agent has enough listings to indicate a healthy business.

Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to put them on the spot – a good agent will be prepared. If you are looking to buy a new home, an agent should be able to ask questions to help you narrow down the search. On the other hand, if you are listing your home for sale, the agent can help you determine a good list price based on the current real estate market and other, similar homes that are currently listed for sale.

Looking for a Real Estate Agent? Turn to ARC Realty

We have some of Birmingham’s best real estate agents at ARC Realty!

Whether you’re buying or selling, we have the skills and experience needed to help you along the way.

Give ARC Realty a call today at (205) 969-8910 or fill out our contact form to find out which of our agents has the experience you need for your specific situation.