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Once you have decided to buy or sell a property, besides searching or doing work on your own on the internet, you should select an agent to work with. Selecting a good agent is extremely important because he will act as an advisor and help you through the maze of legal and financial moves involved in buying a property. A good agent will understand your needs and financial guidelines, explain you the different steps involved, focus on those properties that meet your requirements and save you money in the buying process. A professional seasoned agent will make the buying process enjoyable and save tens of thousands of dollars. Here are few guidelines on how to select a good Real Estate Agent. Education: In most states, before an agent can work as an agent, he/she has to pass a certification course . This certification allows him/her to work as an agent, but this education. is the absolutely the bare minimum and will not make an agent a "Good" agent. You should look for a person who has had academic qualification in the fields like marketing, human behavior, economics, financial analysis, appraisal and negotiations. Advice of an agent will be meaningful only if he has studied these subjects and trust me, process of buying and selling does encompass these subjects. Experience: Education is important but nothing compensates for "experience" . Look for an agent who has experience in all facets of real estate field. While it is helpful, it is not necessary that the agent should have experience in a certain geographical area. A well rounded agent will serve you well in any geographical area. Knowledge: Real Estate market has its ups and downs. Is the agent knowledgeable on different issues affecting the current real estate market. You should select an agent who keeps himself informed with the developments in the industry and can advise you with the latest financial and legislative regulations that may affect your purchase. Training: A god agent updates his knowledge with regular training affecting the real estate market. Internet has become crucial for real estate business; a good and successful agent would have internet skills and training to help his clients. Attitude: You need to hire an agent who is easy to work with, who will understand your needs and will be easily accessible. He should have an attitude that makes you feel comfortable to work with. Commitment: There are very many agents in this field who have absolutely no commitment -neither to their profession nor to their clients -their only commitment they have, is to themselves. Selling Real Estate is their part time/stop-gap job; you should avoid such agents at all costs. A good agent is responsible; he is committed to deliver results and will not disappear when you need him the most. Negotiating Skills: Exceptional Negotiating skills are crucial, if the agent is to save you money. Negotiating skills do not come easy, these cannot be bought or borrowed; it takes years of experience to acquire these skills. Do not overlook this quality in an agent, an agent with these skills can make a difference of thousands of dollars in your favour. Pride in Performance: Good agents take pride in their performance and the results they deliver. Many agents get the license but have no feeling for their clients; they are in the real estate business only to make money. You should work with an agent who prides in every sale he makes and every client is special to him. References: Once you have gone through the above selection process, do check the references. A successful agent will have very many past happy clients and should be able to supply you references for you to check, if you wish. The author, Nawel K Seth, MBA, Broker of Record, of Trail Blazers Realty, is a veteran in the field of Real Estate and Finance with over 40 years of diversified experience and is a regular contributor of articles on the web and seminars. He can be contacted at 416-630-1999 / 905-660-7999 / 1-866 890 1999 or by email info@ClientCashRewards.com
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