How to Choose a REALTOR®
Buying or selling a property is not any small matter. It requires time, energy, expertise and sound financial planning. Therefore, it’s essential to have the right guidance when it comes to such a massive undertaking.

Before grabbing the phone book and calling the first person listed under the real estate section, it’s important to do some research to ensure your real estate agent is best suited for your needs. Below is a checklist of items to help make this process a little smoother.

Must be Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
It is essential that a real estate professional be licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). This ensures that the real estate agent is legally qualified to perform real estate transactions in Texas. In order to be licensed by TREC, a salesperson must have 270 hours of classroom instruction in real estate and work under the sponsorship of a licensed broker. To become a broker, licensees are required to have 900 hours of real estate education. Information on all licensees can be found on the TREC Web site, at www.trec.state.tx.us.

Select a Member of the National Association of REALTORS®
It’s also important that the real estate professional is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). All REALTORS® are members of NAR and answer to a higher standard of professionalism. REALTORS® must follow the ethical and professional guidelines set forth in the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and are monitored based on these principles.

View the REALTOR® Code of Ethics

Get Recommendations from Past Buyers or Sellers
Word-of-mouth is one of the most effective forms of finding a knowledgeable expert in any field. The same is true for real estate. Chances are if someone has had a positive experience with a REALTOR® in the past, then it’s likely that REALTOR® will provide the same services again.

Know Your Rights as a Consumer
A consumer who is represented by a REALTOR® should be able to rely on certain basic services that include:

  • Developing, communicating and presenting offers, counteroffers and related notices
  • Accepting on behalf of and presenting offers and counteroffers to the client
  • Being available to answer the client’s questions relating to these offers.

Although most REALTORS® go beyond this basic call of duty, it is essential to know what is expected from your real estate agent.

Do Background Research
Be sure to check with TREC and confirm that your REALTOR® does not have a record of disciplinary actions from previous dealings. Call TREC at 1-800-250-8732.

Ask Questions
Consumers have the right to know. Therefore, it’s important to plan a face-to-face chat with your prospective REALTOR® before signing anything and having a list of questions ready for the REALTOR® to answer. Questions should include:

  • How much experience does the REALTOR® have in your area?
  • What services does he or she offer?
  • How hard is it to reach the REALTOR®?
  • How long are homes in your area typically on the market?
  • How does the REALTOR® suggest pricing your home (if selling)?
  • How will the REALTOR® market your home (if selling)?
  • How will the fee be determined for the services provided by the REALTOR®?
  • What disclosures should you receive?

Choose a REALTOR® That’s Easy to Work With
No matter how educated and experienced a REALTOR® might be, if he or she has a personality flaw that the consumer can’t look past, it’s best to continue the search. Not all personality types click, and it’s a good idea to find a REALTOR® that is easy for the consumer to work with so that a personality clash won’t get in the way of the big picture.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Although REALTORS® tend to be great at many things, mind-reading is usually not one of them. Be sure to tell your REALTOR® if you have any questions, concerns or needs that should be addressed. Buyers and sellers should call their REALTORS® the second they’re not satisfied with the real estate service they’re receiving. If a complete communication breakdown occurs, the consumer can always ask the broker to intervene, but this is generally used as a last-resort measure.