Choosing Your Real Estate Agent

How to locate a real estate advisor to help you find a home.

Nolo

The quality of real estate agents varies dramatically, from fabulous to frightful. To find an agent who rates at the fabulous end of the scale, do investigative work on your own.

The quality of real estate agents varies dramatically, from fabulous to frightful. To find an agent who rates at the fabulous end of the scale, look for one who is:

• A person of integrity.
• In the full-time business of real estate — you don't want a dabbler.
• Experienced with the types of services you need.
• Knowledgeable about the area where you want to live.
• Sophisticated in business matters.
• Tuned in to your tastes and needs.
• Licensed by your state, meaning the agent has met the minimum levels of education, training, and testing.
• A member of a trade association, such as the National Association of Realtors (NAR), meaning the agent is privy to listings, market information, and other data that non-members must struggle to obtain.
• A recipient of additional credentials. Look for initials on their business cards; for example, NAR offers such credentials as a "GRI" (Graduate Realtors Institute) or the even more advanced "CRS" (Certified Residential Specialist).

Get Referrals

For recommendations, go to friends, family, and co-workers — particularly those who have recently bought or sold a home. Once you have a short list of promising real estate agents, let each one know you want to interview him or her for 30 or 45 minutes, preferably in person.

Ask Questions

Below are some questions you can ask a real estate agent to determine if the person's experience and success rate are suited to your needs. Add your own questions.

• How many homes have you found for buyers within the last year?
• How can you help me afford the home I want?
• How will you communicate with me?
• How do you organize your work?
• Will you be representing the seller in any way?
• Who are past clients I can call as references for you?

During the interview, consider how well the agent listens to your concerns and answers your questions clearly and directly. Only agree to hire an agent after you have found one you are enthusiastic about. Then, commit your agreement to writing, and play fair by not signing up additional agents to help you.

For more information on innovative home financing solutions for NEA members and their families, call the NEA Home Financing Program at 1-800-NEA-4-YOU (1-800-632-4968) to speak to one of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage's experienced home mortgage consultants. They are available from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight, and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). If you prefer, you can stop by your local Wells Fargo branch, or visit us online at www.neamb.com. Deaf/hard of hearing individuals may call 1-800-842-3548 TTY. Spanish-speaking individuals may call 1-800-544-3482.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc. originates mortgage loans in New Hampshire under License No. 5757 MB for first mortgages and License 5768 MHL for second mortgages and is a New Jersey Department of Banking Licensed Mortgage Banker. Equal Housing Lender.