Finding a real estate agent to buy or sell your property is an important step in the home-buying and selling process. The agent you choose can help you navigate challenges such as low inventory, competitive markets and even bidding wars. Yet the process can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know how to vet professionals before selecting one. The key is to ask the right questions, whether you’re looking for an agent who specializes in buyers or sellers.

While many agents have websites that tout their accomplishments, it’s important to read the reviews on these sites with caution. Many brokerages curate reviews and select only the most positive ones, which can give a false picture. You may want to seek out third-party reviews for a more objective view of an agent’s performance.

Some of the best real estate agents in the business are those with a solid track record and long list of satisfied clients. Ask friends and family members who have recently sold or purchased homes in your area if they can recommend an agent they worked with. In fact, research from Zillow found that 18 percent of sellers who hired an agent were referred by someone in their social network. Click here https://www.housebuyinggirls.com/sell-my-house-fast-burleson-tx/

You may also want to find out how long an agent has been in the business and if they specialize in buyer or seller representation. Buyers may want to hire an agent who has extensive experience in the type of market they are interested in buying a home in, while sellers may want to work with an expert who knows how to negotiate and handle complicated transactions.

When interviewing potential agents, make note of how quickly they respond to your inquiries. This is an indication of how responsive they will be throughout the transaction. It’s also a good idea to find out how they communicate with their clients, as some agents may prefer to email or text rather than meet in person. 

You can also learn about an agent’s track record by checking the National

Association of Realtors (NAR) website. NAR has a search feature that allows you to look up an agent by name or zip code. You can also check with local real estate associations for recommendations. For instance, the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors has a search function that enables you to filter by neighborhood. NAR is a trade organization that represents more than 625,000 real estate professionals. Its members can provide professional advice and assistance for every aspect of a home sale, from finding the best mortgage to closing on a property. Members also must adhere to the association’s Code of Ethics, which requires them to act in their client’s best interests at all times. If an agent violates the code, they are subject to discipline by NAR. The association’s website provides more information on this policy and the grievance process. In addition, NAR’s website lists members’ education and licensing. Real estate agents must be licensed in the state in which they are working.