Five questions that will help you find the real estate agent that’s the best fit for you.

For home buyers and sellers alike, choosing the right real estate agent can make a big difference in the process. With such a large pool of agents out there, there are many options. Consider these five questions to help you choose an agent who’s right for you.

Who do family and friends recommend?

While online reviews provide some insights into a real estate agent’s performance, recommendations from family, friends and coworkers can give you a candid, in-depth account of what it’s like to work with an individual.

Are they familiar with your neighborhood?

In real estate there’s an adage, “Location, location, location.” This applies to agents, too. You want someone who’s familiar with your neighborhood and local market—or the one you plan to move to.

Also, find out what community the agent lives in. An agent who lives close by means they’ll have more availability for showings, including the last-minute ones that can pop-up out of nowhere.

What’s their plan?

Sellers will want prospective agents to lay out their marketing plan. It’s a given that your home will be listed on Multiple Listing Service (MLS) but what else will the agent do to gain the attention of prospective buyers? What’s the quality of photography and video they’ll provide? How would the agent price your home and how did they arrive at the value? Also, ask about their commission and fees. Sometimes commission is negotiable, for example, if the seller has a high-value home.

Buyers can protect their interests by working with a real estate agent who serves as their fiduciary, meaning the agent promises to work in your best interest.

Buyers should also look for an agent who listens, pays attention to their needs and wants and who will ultimately help navigate the homebuying process—from making an offer and coordinating inspections to negotiating counter-offers and closing the sale.

For buyers, and sellers, it’s also useful to know:

• How long the agent has been selling homes
• Whether they work full- or part-time
• The strength of the agent’s negotiation skills

What’s their communication style?

A home sale is a highly personal—and sometimes stressful—transaction. In addition to knowledge and expertise, hire an agent whose communication style matches yours.

Ask prospective agents about response times, how many other listings they have and who else is on their team.

How does this agent compare to others?

Even if you receive solid recommendations from family and friends, take time to interview at least three agents. Compare and contrast their plans, negotiating skills and contract terms. Then hire the agent who both listens to your needs and can best handle your transaction.

For sellers, ask about these performance statistics for the agent’s prior listings:

• Average sale-to-list price ratio
• Days on market
• Number of transactions per year

Trust Consumers with your home loan

When buying a home, choosing a real estate agent is just one part of the process. Selecting a mortgage will affect your finances for years to come. Talk with a Consumers Mortgage Loan Officer to learn about the process and get pre-approved.

Consumers helps more than 2,000 members finance land, first and second homes, and home improvement projects each year. We’d love to help you with a mortgage or home equity line of credit; contact us online or call us at 800-991-2221.