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As a result of the real estate boom, there also has been a huge increase in the number of real estate agents. The only worry is that, with the increase in real estate agents, there also is an alarming increase in frauds, who are taking advantage of the situation and swindling innocent home owners and prospective buyers. Therefore, here are some crucial ways and means to understand and choose your real estate agent.
First and foremost, it is absolutely necessary that your real estate agent is just not any broker, but a licensed one. Apart from that, he should be a member of the National Association of Realtors, which is a foremost institution that is dedicated to the real estate industry. The real estate agent, associated with NAR are called realtor, and form the widest network of agent working in tandem to make sure that the general public is assured of a pleasant experience while looking for their dream homes, or getting the best price while selling theirs. NAR realtors have to follow a strict Cod of Ethics, which consists of a range of different rules and regulations to follow. Apart from that, they undergo several training processes, in order to gain the required experience and expertise to make sure you get the best deals.
According to the NAR website, about 44% of all recent transactions regarding real estate have been made through close friends, family or corporate referrals. You can also do a preliminary research around your local area. Look for the different real estate agents available (make sure they are realtors) in your area. Ask your neighbors and friends if they have had good or bad experiences with agents. Ask for recommendations and make sure you specify whether you are planning to buy or sell property.
Once you have a list of agents, don´t just go ahead and choose one, make sure you interview at least three of them before making your choice. Your choice should be based on the realtor´s experience, his sales, his network distribution as well as, his past clients. Realtors® also have access to educational opportunities and training in real estate specialties that are not available to other licensees. This includes accredited subspecialties such as buyer´s representation (ABR), residential real estate expertise (CRS), or Internet readiness (e-PRO).
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