What Should I Look for in a Real Estate Agent?
Buying or selling your home isn’t always easy, but it usually is rewarding. And to take the worry out of the experience, you can have a Sales Professional guide every step of the way.
There are many things to look for in someone who will help you find a home or sell your home.
- You’ll want a tech-savvy agent, someone who can use a sophisticated set of web-based tools that make communication fast and easy. For home sellers, tech-savvy agents will make sure your home is marketed online, where most buyers are. Tech-savvy agents also can help buyers expedite the search process by sharing property photos, details and information, all online.
- Moving to a new city? Work with an agent who is a Certified Relocation Specialist (CRS), trained to meet your unique needs. Or, ask your Sales Professional to put you in contact with our Relocation Services. We can find the right people to help you just about anywhere in the world.
- ¿Hable español? If English isn’t your primary language, find an agent fluent in your primary language. The Local Realty offers translation assistance in various languages for non-English-speaking clients (and American Sign Language).
- Looking at building a new house? Work with a Sales Professional who specializes in new home construction and understands the ins and outs of the process.
Professional Real Estate Credentials
The Local Realty Sales Professionals who are REALTOR® members adhere to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Code of Ethics. Those belonging to NAR receive continuing education and are up on the latest trends, making them well-prepared to offer you the most advanced real estate advice.
Your agent will provide you a variety of tools and assistance to streamline your buying and selling experience.
It’s also good to pay attention to the initials on a Sales Professional’s business card. They’re important because they refer to various accredited designations that have been earned through a lot of hard work.
For example, the designation CRS – Certified Residential Specialist – is the highest designation available to sales associates in the residential real estate industry.
In fact, only four percent of all agents in the country can claim this designation. The award recognizes accomplishments in terms of education, experience and volume of transactions throughout a career.
Other designations include:
ABR: Accredited Buyer Representative
ALC: Accredited Land Consultant
CCIM: Certified Commercial Investment Member
CIPS: Certified International Property Specialist
CRB: Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
To learn more about how earning and maintaining these credentials helps an Agent to better serve you, please talk with your Sales Professional.
