Are you looking to hire a realtor?

Perhaps you’re looking to sell or buy a house and you need help with the paperwork and negotiations. Or you want to invest in real estate and you want a professional who can provide you with reliable information on current market conditions.

Regardless of your specific need, one thing is clear: you want to hire the best realtor.

To do this, you need to know what to look for when picking a realtor. Here’s a brief guide.

1. Real Estate Agent vs Realtor: Know the Difference

When you’re hiring a realtor, you’ll come across real estate agents too. If you’re not familiar with these professionals, it’s easy to think they’re the same person. Well, there’s a difference.

A realtor is a real estate agent, granted. A real estate agent may not be a realtor.

A realtor is a real estate agent who’s a member of the National Association of Realtors. This is a premier trade association in the industry.

A real estate agent who isn’t a NAR member is just that: a real estate agent.

You’re looking for a realtor. As such, it’s essential to know whether an agent is indeed a NAR member or not. If they aren’t, move on.

2. State-Licensed

Real estate agents must obtain a license from their state before they can start to practice. An agent who wishes to work in multiple states must be licensed to practice in each of those states.

Before hiring, ask the realtor whether they are licensed to practice in your state. And, don’t just take their word for it. Ask for licensing information and verify it with the relevant agency in your state.

You don’t want to fall victim to a scammer masquerading as a realtor.

3. Local Experience

Even though real estate agents have a license to practice across an entire state, most choose to focus on certain localities within the state. Go for a realtor who has vast local experience.

For instance, if you’re in Washington and you want to buy a house Spokane, ensure your realtor focuses on that locality. This way, you’ll rest assured that you have a professional that knows the ins and outs of that area. They will advise you on the best neighborhoods, inform you about local real estate laws, and educate you on other things to consider before making the purchase.

4. Personality Traits

There are occupational skills, such as real estate data analysis, that most realtors have. There are also personality traits that vary from individual to individual. It’s these straits that make some realtors stand out.

For example, you want a professional who is a good communicator with great interpersonal skills. Think about other personality traits you’d want your realtor to have and try to find a professional who has them.

Picking a Realtor Shouldn’t Be Difficult

Picking a realtor can be challenging, especially if this is your first time. However, it needn’t be. Armed with this information, you can now start the hiring process and be confident that you’ll find the best realtor in your area.

Keep reading our blog for more real estate tips and insights.