How to find a Realtor

So you're thinking about buying or selling some real estate. It's finally that time, you've been thinking about doing something for a while and now you want to look seriously into it. So you decide to talk to a Realtor. Your buddies uncle's friend has a real estate license and works 5 hours every other week. He's just as good as anyone else, right?...Wrong! Not all real estate agents are created the same. Ask any potential real estate agent these 3.3 questions to decide if that person should be trusted.

1. How much experience do you have?
Seems like a basic question, but it's really a complicated question. The goal isn't necessarily to find someone who's been around forever, but to find someone who knows what they are doing. A certain agent who had worked in real estate for 33 years once said, "I don't have 33 years of experience. I have 3 years of experience 11 times over." The goal is to make sure the person you are working with understands the process and pitfalls and can protect you.

2. What is your area of expertise?
Real estate exists all over the world--literally. Finding a real estate agent that focuses in your area of interest is one of the most beneficial things you can do. Some areas of interest are fairly basic and don't require a large amount of area expertise. Other areas, though, require a specific knowledge of how and why of the trends. All areas require a basic knowledge about what is going on where and why. Failing to know the influential factors around your real estate can be a financially fatal mistake in the long run.

3. How much do you work?
Working with a full-time professional is a must. A part-time real estate agent is a waste of all your time. Do you trust a part-time Doctor? Lawyer? Most people wouldn't even trust a part-time computer repairman or even mechanic. If you won't trust your health, legal well-being, car, or computer with a part-timer, then why would you trust the largest financial investment with someone who doesn't dedicate their full focus on real estate?

3.3 How much real estate do you own and do you own your home?
What does a real estate agent's living situation have to do with their expertise?

Everything!

Working with a real estate agent that doesn't own real estate makes as much sense as getting fitness advice from someone who is obese. If your agent hasn't invested their own money in real estate, then they probably don't know what they are doing. At the same time, having a large portfolio doesn't guarantee wisdom. Some people have more money and brains and should be avoided like the plague.

--Tim