TheStreet.com has a decent article out today — How to Pick the best Real Estate Agent for You.
Now if you happen to be in the Phoenix metro area, that’s a no brainer. 
But if you’re not fortunate enough to live in our fair city, then this article may be worth a read.
I do, naturally, have an opinion or two on it.
Any article that provides insight on picking an agent should mention that you need to interview two or three agents before choosing. Yes, you can learn a lot about an agent or brokerage by scouring the Internet, but nothing replaces a face-to-face meeting.
The “Alphabet soup of designations” an agent can get may, or may not, indicate anything. Continuing education and training are always a good idea, but earning a specific designation doesn’t really prove anything other than the person sat in a seat and paid the fees. Whether they actually learned something is a whole ‘nuther story.
I do think the article is spot on when it says, “it’s really about personality and who you trust will work in your best interests”, “total honesty in a real estate agent or Realtor is critical”, and “find someone that fits your style”. Style is easier to determine than honesty. Trust your instincts, try to reduce your emotional investment and allow your BS meter to function. Most people can tell fairly easily if something just doesn’t feel right. You have to be comfortable with your agent. Have to. No exceptions.
Another thing I’d add is that you should implement a personal rule not to do business with family and friends. While using your best friends cousins wife may make your best friend and their cousin happy, the person that really needs to be happy with your agent selection is YOU.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Sometimes wonder how agents are picked? Your advice is sound and good.
Aloha,
Keahi
It truly is about the BS meter and making sure an agent fits you and can accommodate your needs and wants. Trust has a lot to do with the experience and although designations look good, they do little to ensure that an agent is acting in the client’s best interests.
Your exactly right! One should keep in mind that it is pretty easy to get a real estate license in Arizona. What company an agent is with and their experience has a lot to do with how well an agent will work for you.
But what about your Aunt Louise’s nephew Louis who just finished real estate school, please help him get started in his new career
Another great post! One thing I partially disagree on is not working with family and friends. I really think it depends on the situation. As an agent, I have worked very well with friends who have come to me with their real estate needs and they have been pleased with the outcome. However, I have also referred friends to other agents if I felt that the other agent would do a better job (i.e. a market area I do not work in) or if I felt the situation could prove awkward if we worked together. The key is doing the best job for your client - whether they are your friends or a new client.
The articles makes a great point…. just because an agent has most of the listings in an area, does not mean they are the right one for you. You might get more attention, harder work, and better focus from the agent with a few listings that can devote more time to selling your property. Again, it comes down to personality and trust, not necessarily the biggest player in town…..
Great Article & Great Follow-Up Opinions! I think working with family and friends is okay as long as they are a good match with the sellers/buyers personality style and they are QUALIFIED! As mentioned, most of the friend-of-friend agent’s are trying to get their business started or do real estate as a part-time gig. Making sure your realtor is in the real estate game full-time is a MUST!
Jay -
I couldn’t agree more. I’m originally from Florida, and the two agents we worked with (one to buy the home and one to sell the home ten years later to move out here) were recommended by friends and family. The deals went smoothly and the our listing agent fought for us tooth and nail as we offered buyers the best deal in the hottest market (because, like…we were moving. We didn’t need that huge score).
Out here though, we have worked with three separate real estate agents. Two for rental purposes (in the hot market of 2005) and one to buy a home (in the “buyer’s market” of 2008). We have burned each time by unsavory, unethical, and incompetent practices.
The next agent representing us (if there will be a next time) will have survived the onslaught of tough, difficult questions from us.
It’s too bad that we learned the hard way that Arizona is very different from Florida in terms of real estate practices. Experience is the best teacher.