10 Things to Look for when Choosing YOUR Next Real Estate Professional
March 25th, 2008 Categories: Alexandria Dirt, Arlington Dirt, Falls Church Dirt, First Time Buyers Club, McLean Dirt, Northern Virginia Home Buying, Northern Virginia Home Selling, Northern Virginia Real Estate Dirt, Reston Dirt
Choosing who will represent you on the purchase or sale of your home (or investment property) is a big deal! It’s probably 
one of the single largest purchases or sales you will make in your entire life and unless you’re a big investor, probably something you will only do a handful of times in your life. So when the time comes for your to choose that special person that will guide you through this process, it’s important to look for the qualities that are most important to YOU.
I started out thinking I would do a “Top 10 List” of sorts, a la David Letterman. But I quickly realized that the list will be different for everybody! What’s important to you may not be as important to your co-worker, stock broker or college roommate who has recommended an agent to you. Don’t get me wrong, a personal referral is an excellent source, but make sure they are the right person for YOU and your needs.
Here is MY list of what I would look for in a real estate professional (and remember they are in NO particular order - just train of thought):
1. Experience - While I don’t feel it’s necessary to have 30 years in the business (can’t hurt though) I think it’s best to have an agent with a proven track record of success – if they are less experienced, ask how they intend to best represent your interests - what is their plan? And this brings me to #2…
2. Resources - what types of resources do they have available to them? Are they being mentored? Do they have a broker that will assist them? Do they have other resources to lean on in busy times? Perhaps they are part of a team? How will that work? As long as it works for YOU, there is no wrong answer here.
3. Ethics - This is a biggie – and no real way to ask someone how ethical they are – as Realtors, we are required to abide by our Code of Ethics. It’s much more stringent than our local licensing bureau requires – so always be sure you are represented by a real estate professional who proudly understands and abides by the Code.
4. Education – How has your prospective agent kept up with the industry? Have they earned any of the recognized designations? For example, I have earned the GRI designation – I am a Graduate of the Realtor Institute. It took me a year to earn it – I went to classes once a month for an entire day in subjects like Ethics, Agency Law, Real Estate Finance, etc… I attend Continuing Education courses all the time to stay on top of the changes in my industry… ask a few questions as it relates to Education!
5. Market Knowledge – Look, we can’t all be perfect and we can’t know every statistic for every condo building, neighborhood, townhouse complex, etc… in EVERY city, town, nook, cranny that we service – but we CAN have a knowledge of where the market is, where it’s been, where it’s headed. We can understand some basic economic forces that drive it – some basic economic indicators that could give us a clue where things are headed?
6. Online Savvy – I think this one is HUGE. The world is online - if you’re reading this now, you’re reading a blog. Some don’t even know what a blog is – but whether your agent is representing you as a buyer or a seller, it’s important for them to understand how to market online, how to reach potential buyers ONLINE and frankly, how to communicate with YOU. It’s a different world now than it was even 10 years ago. Be sure your agent has kept up with the times!
7. Communication – Another biggie! And something that will mean something different to different individuals. Find out how your agent intends to communicate with you – and how often. If you need updates once a week or once a day, make sure your agent understands your needs and can accommodate them. Do you prefer email? Or a true voice-to-voice conversation? It’s important to understand? Or what about text messaging?
8. Empathy – This is a tough process. While it’s a business for us as agents, you are real people, with real emotions involved in a potentially stressful situation. It’s nice if your agent can be empathetic.
9. Area Knowledge – How familiar is your agent with the area your home is in if you’re a seller or the area you’re looking if you’re a buyer. As I said earlier, nobody can be a neighborhood EXPERT in every neighborhood, and I don’t believe your agent must be an expert in that neighborhood to provide excellent representation, but they must be willing to learn – to familiarize themselves with your immediate area, market trends, schools, demographics, other listings, etc… the list goes on. (ps I’m a local! 
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10. And last but certainly not least, I believe a Sense of Humor is vital. It all gets a little serious, and it is. But it can be fun, enjoyable and you can make a new friend along the way.
Remember, these are unique individuals and you’re trying to find the best match possible. Trust your referrals, your references, your research; but in the end, trust your gut… oh, and give me a call!
Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Jennifer
Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!
Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session! Spring is right around the corner!
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Jennifer this was a great article for those looking for a REALTOR - thanks. Hope things are going well in Arlington.
Very true. I have found that many people pick an agent the same way they pick a president- “if they like their personality.” Its great to have someone you like, but if they can’t get the job done you aren’t gonna like them for long.
many agents are following behind in “online savvy”. in fact the buyers are more online savvy than the sellers. what about
“what is your average list to sales price ratio”?
“will you provide references” (i find many clients dont wish to do a web testimonial but are receptive to being emailed).
“what kine of guarantee do you offer?”
“may i review docs that i will have to sign?”
“what haven’t i asked you that i need to know?”
Maggie makes some great points! Testimonials, guarantees, reviewing documents, all great steps to take to get to know your prospective agent!
Hi Jennifer,
Good post. I’m slowly becoming a little more tech savvy and really like Active Rain. Thanks so much for turning me on to it. I’m trying to get my points up, slowly but surely. I started out number 18 in Arlington and am now number 12.
These are everything we should be in any profession. its sad that it is hard to come by.