Research Your Realtor® agent
Hiring a Realtor® is an important step and one that can cost you money and time if you choose the wrong one
This is an especially important relationship and one that could cost you, so please take time to research and ask them questions
Even if you were referred by a friend you need to do your own research
There are a few items to consider and to ask to make sure that the Realtor® or agent is the right fit for you.
Such as:
Is the agent a Realtor®
Having the Realtor® designation means that the Realtor is held to a higher standard and abides by the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics and has continuous training in the code of ethics to ensure fair treatment to all parties involved in a transaction. They have standard practices that they follow and uphold in regard to Duties to Clients and Customers, Duties to the Public, and Duties to Realtors® and other agents
The Most Important Question!
Is the Realtor® a FULL-TIME agent - real estate is their ONLY job or are they PART-TIME?
As a Full-Time Realtor I will be there to:
- Get questions answered for you during the day and evening so you don’t miss out on a home you love
- Show you homes when you are available
- Write up and send contracts to the listing agent to win the contract for you day or night
- Answer your questions when you call
- And more
Education - What Training have they had
You can look up any Realtor® or agent by going to https://www.trec.texas.gov/
To the right you will see a box that says, “License Holder Search”, type in the Realtor® or agents name and hit search
Click on the Realtor® or agents name that you are looking up
This will bring you to their license page with their license number, their brokage information, and their Real Estate Education History
Things to look for:
- When was the last time they had further education?
- Are they getting further education throughout the year?
- Are they staying up to date on needed information to better serve you?
What Designations do they hold?
- Type in the Realtors® agents name into your internet bar, such as “Sheri Burton Realtor”
- Click on the one that ends in har.com
- Scroll to the bottom and the Destinations are listed there
- Some Designations are not from HAR so they do not show these but the Realtors® or agents’ website should show the other designations, or they will note them within their BIO
Do they Participate in the Ratings Program? If not, why?
- This program in not mandated but every professional Realtor® or agent should participate to know how to better themselves and share with other prospective Sellers or Buyers what other clients liked and did not like.
Once you have researched and received and answered all the above questions and feel comfortable with the Realtor® you decided to represent you, you are on your way to purchasing your new home with confidence.
