How To Pick A Real Estate Agent

With so many Realtors out there (thousands in Charleston alone) it can seem like a daunting task finding the right one.  Here are a few things to consider when searching for your agent:

Do’s & Don’ts

• DON’T randomly pick your agent from a newspaper listing ad or a real estate book ad. 
• DO find your agent before you find your house.  Find an agent who understands your needs, and is on top of market trends.
• DON’T hire an agent solely based on a friend’s referral.
• DO some research on that agent, and make an appointment to interview her.
• DON’T hire an agent based on personality alone.  While it’s important to get along with your agent, you want to make sure that there is a vast amount of knowledge behind that cheery demeanor.
• DO choose a Realtor.  Realtors are different than real estate agents because they are held to a very strict set of standards and code of ethics.  Also, only Realtors have access to the Multiple Listing Service.
• DO choose an agent who specializes in homes in your price range.  They will know the neighborhoods and current inventory like the back of their hands. 
• DO interview at least 3 agents from different firms.   Ask them all the same questions, and finish with “Why should I hire you”.
• DO make sure your agent works around YOUR schedule – even if that means they must work Saturdays and Sundays.
• DO ask to see a detailed marketing plan.  Any good agent should be prepared with a plan when they come to meet you.  You want to know what they’re going to do to get your house sold for the most money, in your time frame, with the least amount of problems.  You want to make sure that your agent isn’t going to put a sign in the front yard and then disappear.