Find the best real estate agent for your home search

In your search for a new home, few individuals are as important as your real estate agent. Your real estate agent is a critical part of your overall team of experts. With so much at stake in that relationship, it’s important to choose wisely.

Here’s how.

Understand real estate titles and credentials.

An agent is anyone who has a real estate license. A broker has additional education and can hire other agents to work for them. A Realtor® is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and is committed to adhering to the organization’s code of ethics.

Real estate agents may have additional credentials in the form of professional designations, which generally require additional study and testing. Designations include certified residential specialist, accredited buyer's representative and seniors real estate specialist, among others.

Ask for recommendations.

Check with friends, family members and advisers to see if they can enthusiastically and confidently recommend an impressive agent. But think twice about hiring a relative: If things don't go well, it could jeopardize relationships and cause awkward moments at family get-togethers.

Conduct an informal interview.

When buying, you may or may not be paying your agent, but you should still approach your decision like a corporate hiring manager. That means asking candidates a variety of questions:

• How long have you been in the business? It's best to find someone who's already made their beginner's mistakes at someone else's expense.
• How many current clients do you have? Hopefully, the agent has enough to illustrate success in the field but not so many that you could be neglected.
• Are you a full-timer? Those who work in real estate in their spare time may not be as responsive to your needs, particularly if they have another job that's full time.
• How do you communicate with clients? Make sure the contact frequency and method, whether it’s phone calls, texts or emails, are what you'd expect.
• What areas of town and price levels are your focus? You'll want to find an agent who's familiar with your desired neighborhoods and experienced working in your price range.
• How do you get paid? Real estate agent commissions can vary by state or mortgage product, so it is always good to know what to expect.
• When do I become obligated to work with you? Both you and the agent should have a common understanding of when the working relationship begins. Generally, that should be when you've signed a written agreement. But this issue should be discussed as early as possible to avoid controversy or legal headaches. Make sure that, if inquiring through a website form, you're not inadvertently committing to working exclusively with that agent.

Look at their current listings.

Reviewing their portfolio will help verify their experience working with the kinds of homes you want. It's also an opportunity to evaluate their professionalism and communications abilities.

Do a quick background check.

Check with your state licensing board to see if the agent has been the subject of any disciplinary actions or multiple complaints.