There are some very good Realtors and real estate agents out there ... who always seem to be involved with helping their friends and clients.

When hiring a Realtor agent to help you buy your next home ...  or help you sell your home and property ... you should find one to trust ... and one who listens to what you have to say. 

The Realtor should be able to go the extra mile to help make your purchase or sale appear to be smooth.  This agent should help you set aside the emotion of the situation and be objective.

The Realtor agent should have knowledge about and help you understand and work with local market conditions. 

The agent should know about home values and tell you what other homes have sold for in the neighborhood ... and what other homes are listed for.  He or she should be an MLS member and have information on local for sale listings.

This Realtor agent should be qualified and do his or her homework to be prepared .... and represent you carefully through the offer and counters and contract of sale experience.

The agent should be a primary source of information about the schools, shopping areas, access to the homes and neighborhood, recreation, churches, parks, and libraries.  

This Realtor should be able to point out flaws and positive features of the community.

The Realtor agent should be able to listen to your wants, needs, dreams and desires ... and then ask questions to help you figure out what's driving that expectation.

The Realtor agent should be able to draw out the client and help him or her focus on the truly important issues.

The REALTOR AGENT SHOULD TELL THE TRUTH.  This agent be willing and able to focus on reality ... tell you what you may not want to hear about the property or neighborhood.

The agent should be a primary source of information ... about real estate, home inspectors, mortgage lenders and real estate attorneys, title insurance contracts, service agents, contractors and handypersons. 

Your Realtor agent should subscribe to the National Association of Realtors NAR Code of Ethics and be knowledgable about what's expected of real estate agents in terms of transactions and supporting the interests of their clients.

The Realtor agent should be a student of the real estate business, local markets, new developments, including mortgage, real estate law, estate planning, and income and property taxation.

A good Realtor agent stays in touch.  Many use technology to help them communicate with their clients.  (such as E-mail, BlackBerrys, iPhones, cell phones, electronic newsletters, Web sites, digital photography and video).

What happens at the end of the transaction?  Great handshake?  Perhaps a hug.  The main thing is that the client's best interest was moved forward and that the sale or purchase was in his or her best interest.

What then?  Continued contact ... perhaps some social time ... fun ... and networking ... and sharing of other experiences with your Realtor and agent.  Developing a friendship. 

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA