The complexities of today's real estate transactions indicate the need to engage professional assistance. Just as one is careful in selecting a CPA, doctor, investment advisor, or lawyer, one should be equally as careful in selecting a real estate broker.  

Guidance through the maze of establishing market values and providing information on comparable property sales, agency disclosures, property condition disclosures, home inspections, mortgages, appraisals, warranties, listings, and sale contracts is only a part of the service provided by a professional real estate agent. Expertise in marketing, preparing a home for selling, and showing the property are some of the many other services offered.  

There are several criteria for selecting a broker. Foremost is that the agent is a Realtor® -- a member of the National Association of Realtors® -- who adheres to its code of ethics and standards of practice. Nationally recognized professional designations are evidence of a level of training, education, and experience. Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is a symbol of excellence in residential sales. It is earned by less than 2 percent of all Realtors®. Graduate Realtors® Institute (GRI) is also significant designations requiring education, and experience. 

You may find a real estate agent by asking for recommendations from friends, from people who live where you would like to live, and from business associates. If selling, ask for referrals from those who have sold recently where you might be selling. With your list of candidates, conduct phone interviews asking about credentials and references. Narrow the list and schedule personal interviews.  

Prepare a list of questions to ask your candidates:  
How long has the agent been in the business? What is the agents' sales volume? What is the price range of homes? 

What professional designations have the agents been awarded? Has the agent received other honors or awards? 

Does the agent have executive assistants and staff to handle details and paperwork so they can be out of the office selling property? Does the agent have his or her own listing manager and contracts manager? 

Has the agency invested in the latest technological tools that will free the agent's time to work for you? 

What will make the investment of your time more productive: color notebook computers for remote calling of multiple listing information and photographs? Cellular phones? 24-hour voice mail? Fax machines and computer fax programs? Pagers? Business calculators? 

Does the agent have a list of contacts at mortgage companies, banks, title companies, inspectors, pest control companies, and other related services? Is the agent's relationship such that immediate responses are attainable? 

Does the listing presentation have a mission statement? Are there sample marketing pieces? Are there testimonials? Are there references? 

Is there a written sellers' marketing plan? Is there a written buyers' marketing plan? 

What is their knowledge of and participation in the community? Ask anything that is important to you. 

Buying or selling property you own or your personal home in the Memphis area is a major investment decision. When hiring an agent who merely completes three to ten transactions a year, you may discover a lack of experience later in the tranasaction.  We suggest that you choose your real estate agent as carefully as you would your stock broker or financial planner.  
 

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3181 Poplar Avenue Suite 301
Memphis, TN 38111-3524
901-767-0020 

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