Top " 10 " Suggestions for Selecting a Real Estate Agent

Century 21 Real Estate Corporation's

Top Ten Suggestions for Selecting a Real Estate Agent:

In order to find a real estate broker or agent who meets your needs and makes your buying or selling experience a positive one, Century 21 Real Estate Corporation recommends you:

•1.      DO NOT  blindly walk into or call a neighborhood firm and ask for an agent at random.

•2.      Ask friends and family for recommendations.

•3.      Interview several real estate agents:

•-         Find out their history with the brokerage, their experience and background.

•-         Gauge their knowledge of your favorite towns.

•-         Ask for a list of previous clients and their phone numbers.

•4.      Pay attention to whether a potential agent is listening closely to what you say.

•-         Is he or she asking follow-up questions which prompt further explanation and help him or her understand exactly your needs and wants?

•5.      Give a potential agent the opportunity to educate you.

•-         A good agent should walk a customer through the buying or selling process before ever showing properties or discussing a specific transaction.

•6.      Have a good idea of what you expect from an agent and communicate those expectations.

•-         How often do you want to hear from your agent?

•-         Do you want to hold meetings at your house rather than the real estate office?

•7.      Weigh the benefits of working with an experienced agent versus a novice.

•-         An experienced agent may have more insight, but a new agent may have innovative ideas or more energy and time.

•8.      Find an agent who complements your personality.

•-         If you like to start your day at 7:00 a.m., don't choose an agent who arrives to the office at 10:00 a.m.

•-         If your preferred method of communication is e-mail, don't choose an agent whose most advanced technology is a fax machine.

•9.      Evaluate the agent's firm and/or office.

•-         Look for a real estate organization whose agents can empower you with real estate expertise and resources and provide first-rate customer service.

•10.  Look for an agent who will be your partner.

•-         Find someone you trust, who will give you the facts, help you make intelligent, well-informed decisions and work with you throughout the entire process.