Selecting a Real Estate Professional

Ask yourself these basic questions:
How much home can we afford? Where do we want to live? What do we want in a house? When do we need to move? Why do we want to move?

Now you can proceed to the question that will make the most impact on the success of the entire buying process:

Since you will be spending a lot of time with an agent, it's important you choose one you feel comfortable with, who is responsive to your needs and who compliments your personality. Here are some guidelines:

• Get referrals from family and friends that you trust.
• Seek out an experienced agent with a known reputation - look at credentials, track records and awards received.
• Interview at least three agents - you will go to great lengths to find a doctor, dentist or even a hair stylist, so don't pick the first agent that you come in contact with.
• Seek out someone who is a member of the Board of Realtors®.
• Find someone who is continuing their education - a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Residential Broker (CRB), a Graduate of the Realtors Institute (GRI) or an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) - this shows that the Realtor is interested in the business long-term and is willing to invest in their career.