Whether you’re embarking on your real agent or you’re a seasoned veteran choosing a good real estate agent means a lot.

5 steps on selecting a good real estate agent:

1. Agent Referrals and Research

Your first step to narrowing down your options is to seek out referrals from friends, family and in doing your research online. Someone who had a positive experience with an agent gives them credibility that may work for you.

2. Ask the Real Estate Agent Questions

You should always meet with any potential agent in person before visiting any homes with them. This step will allow you to ask some hard questions directly to the agent that will enable you to narrow your list down. Learn about their experience in the neighborhood, their skills, strategy and how they negotiate single or multiple offers. 

3. Your agent should be an expert on the local real estate market.

Your real estate agent should be able to answer your questions about the local market with confidence. Take their answers, do a bit of your research, and compare. An expert should be able to recommend the best price to buy or sell within your local market, which will ultimately help you make the best decisions.

4. Pick an agent who picks up the phone.

Your agent must answer their calls or text messages, and of course reply to emails.

Whichever your preference, timeliness is important in the real estate game. You want your agent to communicate with you regularly and give you the information you need when you need it.

5. Make sure you and your agent have a connection.

You’re going to have to spend some time working with your agent, so make sure the relationship feels right. A good agent will want to build a strong connection with you as well.

Does your agent listen and do they understand your budget requirements and what’s most important to you?

Keep Your Options Open

Even if you’ve retained someone you believe is an ideal agent, think twice before signing an exclusivity agreement. While your agent might be competent, if you are a seller, the more agents you have that can potentially show and sell your home, the better the odds of the sale.