Experience

Look for a Realtor who has a proven track record of successful sales and has been in the industry for a significant period of time. Experienced realtors are more likely to have a strong network and can provide valuable insights about the market. 

It’s important to check with the Department of Real Estate to make sure your realtor and brokerage have not had any disciplinary actions taken against them.  You can check out the DRE website to search your particular agent.  You should ask for your agent’s DRE number along with the number of their brokerage to conduct your search, as not spelling your agent’s name correctly in the search field may produce a null result. If the search comes up clean, you can move forward with a greater degree of confidence.

It’s also a good idea to check online reviews and testimonials from past clients to get an idea of their level of satisfaction with the realtor’s services.

Knowledge of the Area

A good realtor should have a deep understanding of the local housing market, including the neighborhoods, schools, transportation, and other factors that may affect home values. Any realtor can sell a home, but it’s always best to choose a realtor who lives in the neighborhood as this puts them in a stronger position to sell the area.

Personality

Your realtor should be responsive, timely, and transparent in their dealings with you and carry themselves in a manner that will be accommodating to you and your clientelle.  If the “vibe” isn’t working between you and your realtor, there’s a good chance the same thing will happen with potential buyers.  Ultimately, you should feel comfortable with the realtor you choose. They should listen to your needs and be someone you can trust to guide you through the buying or selling process.

Competitive Advantages

Commission

Your realtor should be upfront about their fees and the cost of doing business with them. Choosing a realtor based on a low commission rate may not be in your best interest as low compensation for your agent could mean less resources for them to market your property and could risk giving your property a lower priority over other clients who are paying more for the same services. In some cases, a discounted commission may be appropriate if you are selling a very high-priced home or if your agent feels all necessary tasks can still be accomplished with a lower budget.

Add-Ons

Agents who are trying to differentiate themselves from others in a competitive marketplace may include incentives such as a home warranty or error and omission insurance to help protect your home against an unhappy buyer who discovers a problem with the property down the road.  Error and omission insurance may only cover your home for less than a year after the sale, but can provide additional peace of mind as it can mitigate a seller’s exposure to liability after the conclusion of a sale.  When shopping for an agent, you should always ask them to articulate what sets them apart from other agents.

Marketing Abilities

A good realtor should have a solid marketing plan in place to showcase your property to potential buyers. This should include much more than listing your home on the MLS and placing a sign in your front yard.  Marketing is expensive and you should ask your realtor what they plan to do to market your property. Remember, your agent is being compensated through their commission which is payed by you; you deserve to know what you’re getting in exchange.

By considering these factors, you can find a realtor who is competent, reliable, and a good fit for your specific needs.