| I have seen home buyers and sellers less than | | | | 7. Check the REALTORS license by visiting your |
| satisfied with REALTORS who were not providing | | | | states department of occupational professionals web |
| them the level of service they felt they deserved. If | | | | site. You can determine if the license is in good |
| you take the time to find a good match, you may find | | | | standing, read about any complaints or investigations, |
| your search for a home to be a rewarding experience. | | | | and see how long the REALTOR has been licensed. |
| Here are some tips on evaluating a REALTOR. | | | | 8. Find a REALTOR who will research and obtain |
| 1. If you are a seller, select a REALTOR who will | | | | information from the source. This includes visiting a tax |
| advertise your property individually and distinctly. | | | | office or courthouse to research things like zoning or |
| 2. A REALTOR must have a hot, up-to-date web site | | | | mapping topography of a home site. |
| that changes to reflect the market. | | | | 9. Ask your REALTOR if they have access to more |
| 3. Take into account the busy lifestyle of todays | | | | than one Multiple Listing Service (MLS) if this is |
| professionals. Consider that most people use the | | | | applicable in your area. Access to more MLS means |
| internet to search for homes. Understand a | | | | increased opportunities to sell you property to qualified |
| REALTORS presence on the internet is crucial to their | | | | buyers or find the home that meets your criteria. |
| effectiveness. | | | | 10. Open houses are not the way to sell homes, so do |
| 4. If paying commission is a huge point with you, find a | | | | not be dazzled by a REALTOR who hosts them |
| REALTOR who will be flexible. | | | | frequently. Often open houses attract neighbors and |
| 5. Use a REALTOR with a national presence in the | | | | people not yet ready to buy. |
| real estate market. Analyze the REALTORS web site | | | | If you take the time to find out more about the |
| as an indicator of this. | | | | REALTOR you expect to use, you could land yourself |
| 6. Choose a REALTOR with experience. If they are | | | | a dream home, or a nice net gain on the home you |
| newly licensed, ask if the REALTOR is in a mentor | | | | are going to sell. |
| program. | | | | |