Because clients simply don't have access to the same information about realtors as they do about other service professionals. With that said, there are a few things you can do to more accurately access the suitability of a prospective realtor. Here are six tips you can use to hire the right broker the next time out. 1. Contact Former Clients As we mentioned at the outset, most realtors are effective self-promoters. They can go on all day about their credentials and what makes them the best person for the job. But it's only when you ask them to provide you with a list of recent clients that you will know for certain how confident they really are in their record. If they do so gladly and willingly, it probably means they're proud of the performance. But if they suddenly look nervous or stall, it may mean they think their clients won't have nice things to say about them. Either way, you should never sign with a real estate agent without contacting a few former clients first. 2. Ask About Selling Stats Some realtors simply will not rest until they get their clients their full asking price, while others throw in the towel and encourage their clients to accept a lower sale price. It all comes down to determination, work ethic, and how much time and energy a salesperson is willing to put into each project. If an agent has a history of coming short of the asking price, that may mean he is unwilling to go that extra mile. 3. Check Licensing Most states have regulatory bodies that issue licenses to agents and handle disciplinary actions or complaints that are lodged against them. Depending on where you reside, it may be possible to search on the Internet to see if any information about a realtor has been added to an online database. At the very least, you should always ask the salesperson if he or she is fully licensed. 4. Consider Credentials You might be wondering what those extra letters that follow most agents' names mean? In order to get ahead and make themselves more attractive to certain clients, many home sellers complete additional training that qualifies them as specialists in certain areas. For example, a broker who has earned a CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) has taken classes on residential sales, while one with an ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) has been trained to represent buyers in property deals. While they might by a mouthful, these designations really do matter because they are evidence of experience. 5. Ask About Experience Because it does not require lengthy training or previous experience, selling real estate has always been an attractive option for people who are interested in switching careers. As a result, many agents have less than five years on the job. Now, that relative lack of experience might not mean that they are bad at their jobs. But with all else equal, it is always best to select a service professional who has many years in the business. With a little research online and these five simple tips, you should be able to locate a qualified real estate agent in no time. When looking at real estate, Ann Arbor residents go to http://www.isellannarbor.com.
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