| In the competitive and lucrative market of real | | | | -His advertising plans. As agents of the seller, a |
| estate, you'll find all kinds of characters-much like | | | | realtor's primary job is marketing your house to |
| your local used car sales district. A agent is | | | | as many borrowers as possible. A good realtor will |
| essentially a guide for navigating the real estate | | | | have a solid plan for doing so, including traditional |
| market. Most are seller-focused, but a few serve | | | | venues such as house listings and advertisements, |
| buyers as well. Here are a few things to keep in | | | | but will also branch out into newer areas including |
| mind when looking for a realtor. | | | | the internet. |
| -The difference between realtors and real estate | | | | -The commission. Some commissions are |
| agents: The two are not interchangeable, though | | | | negotiable, especially when realtors have to |
| all realtors are agents. In order to be a realtor, | | | | compete against internet services which offer the |
| you must carry a real estate license from an | | | | same amount of exposure as a dedicated agent |
| approved institution and be registered with the | | | | may. And of course, all of them are in |
| National Association of Realtors. The organization | | | | competition against each other-don't be shy about |
| sets and enforces ethical standards in the real | | | | mentioning this fact to them. |
| estate business. | | | | Interviewing a prospective realtor is like |
| -The realtor's past performance. If you're a seller, | | | | interviewing a potential employee-after all, they will |
| you want to know the realtor's | | | | be working for you once you've decided. So ask |
| list-price-to-selling-price ratio. This number, which | | | | interview questions. How do they handle |
| compares the listing price of the house when | | | | cancellations and changes in plan? Keep a sharp |
| bought to the price of the home when it is resold, | | | | eye out for inexperience and realtors that may |
| gives an indication of how good a deal the seller is | | | | not be entirely on your side, and even once |
| able to cut. Some realtors rush the process so as | | | | you've decided, maintain skepticism and keep |
| to move on to make deals on other houses-this | | | | asking questions. |
| will result in lower numbers. | | | | |