How to hire a good real estate agent

When planning to sell a home in Florida, it’s important to work with the right real estate agent. Choosing the right Realtor often involves asking a few good questions.

One of the most important questions to ask a real estate agent is if he or she is properly licensed. It can also be helpful to find out if the agent has special certifications, which may show that he or she is more equipped to do the work. Additionally, if the agent is a member of a well-known organization, such as the National Association of Realtors, it means that he or she is bound to follow a strict code of ethics.

Homeowners might also find it helpful to learn about the Realtor’s experience. Along with positive reviews, good education and skill, real estate agents who have experience selling homes are generally better qualified. Along these lines, homeowners might also wish to ask the Realtor for at least three references of past clients.

Another question homeowners might ask is if the Realtor plans to post the home online, and if multiple websites will feature the home. Other questions to ask include the amount of pictures that will be used in the advertisement and if the agent will hire a professional photographer to take the pictures.

While Realtors can help homeowners to successfully sell a property, complex issues above the agent’s knowledge can sometimes arise. Such problems may include zoning disputes, contract terms and title issues. Homeowners faced with these or similar predicaments might consider talking to an experienced real estate attorney for advice.

Source: US News, “5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent,” Mady Dahlstrom, July 19, 2016