Finding the perfect real estate agent requires understanding the difference between a realtor and agent, interviewing multiple agents, and asking other professionals in the industry for recommendations. A realtor is held to higher standards as they are members of the National Association of Realtors and must follow their Code of Ethics. It is important to interview at least 3 agents to find the best fit and ask them questions about their experience and references. Industry professionals can also provide good recommendations for agents with specific expertise in a buyer's needs, such as foreclosure properties.

1. TIPS FOR
FINDING THE
PERFECT
REAL ESTATE
AGENT
Tal Rappleyea

2. Whether it’s your first or your fifth, buying a home can be a difficult process, and
having an expert on the situation with you can make things much easier. That’s why
people hire real estate agents. Real estate agents are professionals in buying and
selling homes and more than anything they want to make sure you’re getting a
good deal and that any potential headaches don’t come your way. The thing is,
finding the perfect real estate agent can be tricky. There are so many agents out
there that finding one that matches you and your needs can be a problem. Here
are a few tips to make it a little easier.

3. UNDERSTAND
REALTOR VS. REAL
ESTATE AGENT
The first step to finding the perfect agent is making sure you understand the
difference between a realtor and a real estate agent. If you’re like many other people,
you might not have realized that there is a difference between the two terms. Many
assume the terms are interchangeable. The truth of the matter is that all realtors are
real estate agents but not all real estate agents are realtors. Realtors are those who
belong to the NAR, or National Association of Realtors, and the biggest difference is
that they pledge to follow the NAR Code of Ethics, which is a list of 17 articles and
standards of practice. Think of it as a code of conduct that holds realtors at a higher
standard of business than regular agents. If this is something that matters to you, you
may want to make sure you get a realtor and not just a real estate agent.

4. INTERVIEW,
INTERVIEW,
INTERVIEW
Interviewing potential real estate agents is key to finding a good match,
but it’s important to interview at least 3 if not more. If you meet with your
first agent and feel that they’re the perfect match, that’s great! You still
want to make sure you interview at least 2 more. While that first one might
seem great, you may find someone even better. In your interviews, be sure
to ask questions such as if they have a list of references, or if they can
provide a list of their recent sales. You also want to make sure you pay
attention to how they respond to your questions, as it can be a good sign
of how they’ll treat you throughout the entire process.

5. ASK PROS FOR
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you know anybody who works in the real estate
industry, it’s always good to ask for recommendations.
Even if you don’t know anyone, other pros are often
willing to refer you to their associates, especially if
they aren’t as knowledgeable of what you may be
looking for, such as someone not being skilled in
foreclosures if that’s what you’re considering buying.

6. TalRappleyea.net
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