How to Choose a Realtor When Buying A Home

Hire a Buyer Agent Who has Recommendations and Designations

Jun 9, 2009

A successful home buying experience can depend on the agent chosen for the transaction. Ask about training and designations before interviewing realtors.

Buying a home is often the largest financial decision a person will make. As with any business transaction, it is important to choose the correct professional to assist.

Today’s real estate agents have become more specialized. Some agents only work with buyers or sellers, others work with both buyers and sellers, and many work with a team with a specialized buyer agent or closing coordinator as a member. Choosing the concept that fits the buyer's comfort level is critical to a smooth transaction.

Choose a Buyer Agent to Interview by Asking Friends or Co-workers

Michael J. Maher of The Maher Team, Realty Executives, Kansas City, MO, says the number one way for consumers to find an agent to represent them on the buyer’s side is through referral. “The key factor is trust," Maher point out. “You are about to make the largest financial investment of your life. You want to align with an agent who will make that the best investment of your life.”

Maher suggests a buyer ask friends, neighbors, a pastor, and other trusted associates for a recommendation. If a buyer is being transferred to a new area he can ask new co-workers who they recommend. “After gathering two or three names, take the time to sit down with each agent to discuss the process. A little due diligence in the beginning will save you enormous time, effort, and energy later,” Maher concludes.

Look for Designations from the National Association of Realtors

Ask a potential agent about the professional training he has and the designations he holds. Two important designations to look for when choosing a buying agent are ABR and CRS. These are both conferred by affiliates of the National Association of Realtors. Each has specific requirements that must be fulfilled before an agent can earn and use the designation.

CRS Designation Offered by the Council of Residential Specialists

The CRS designation is earned after an agent has completed requirements that can include a combination of both course work and transactions. Ongoing training, webinars and conferences are available to the CRS after the designation is earned to assure the designee stays current to better assist clients. CRS courses cover topics as varied as negotiating, communications, new home construction, foreclosures, using social media and working with multicultural consumers.

When interviewing potential buyer agents, it is also important to ask if they are keeping up with new trends by attending new courses and conferences.

ABR Designation Offered by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council

The Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council of the National Association of Realtors® (REBAC) is the world’s largest organization that focuses on buyer representation. REBAC offers Realtors specialized training in working with buyers. Realtors who have earned their ABR designation have completed training to help them assist buyers.

REBAC points out that agency laws still vary from state to state. It is important to talk to the agent or broker early in the working relationship to discuss agency status.

Make the Home Buying Process a Pleasant Experience

After a buyers gets recommendations, checks designations and team qualifications, it is time to interview agents. Choosing the correct agent will help assure a pleasant and successful home buying experience.

The copyright of the article How to Choose a Realtor When Buying A Home in Buying/Selling a Home is owned by Rosalie Thompson. Permission to republish How to Choose a Realtor When Buying A Home in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.