MONEY

5 tips for finding a great real-estate agent

Kara Morrison
The Republic | azcentral.com

Finding the right real-estate agent is a crucial part of a successful real-estate transaction.

Maria and Chris Ratka (left) speak with their real estate agent, Stacie Neumann, in front of their house in north Phoenix.

A knowledgeable agent can save you money or give you an edge over other buyers in negotiating for a home. If you're selling, a good agent may help you maximize what you can get for your home.

Just like finding the right house, finding the right agent requires a little work. You'll want to choose someone who has demonstrated competence and skill at real-estate transactions — not to mention someone you're comfortable with personally.

Here are five tips on finding a great real-estate agent:

1. Interview family and friends. Because real estate is the Valley's bread and butter, it's likely you have friends or family who has recently bought or sold a home. Find out what went smoothly, what didn't, and what they learned. Then ask if they'd recommend their agent.

Referrals by friends and family are probably the top way people connect with a real-estate agent. Elaine Grill, an agent with Re/Max Excalibur Realty in Scottsdale, says most people trust the judgment of friends or family members. But your search shouldn't stop there. Read on.

2. Look around — literally. When you've decided to look at houses, scan for-sale signs in your target neighborhoods. And look at online listings for houses that fit your basic wish list. Take note of real-estate agents who specialize in the neighborhoods or types of homes you're considering. You may want to attend open houses to meet agents hosting them.

3. Consider a specialist. If you're looking at a particular kind of property, such as a historical home, contemporary architecture, a short sale or even a new-construction home in an age-restricted community, you may want to find an agent who has special experience in these areas.

Someone who knows historical homes, for example, will help you ask important questions, such as whether decades-old electrical or plumbing systems have been upgraded. Those who specialize in specific home types or neighborhoods may also know about a for-sale property before it's officially on the market, giving you an edge over other buyers.

4. Interview the agent. If you're considering working with a particular agent, meet him or her in person. Doing so will give you a feel for how he or she communicates and whether the agent will give you the time and energy you require. Talk about your needs and ask what services he or she offers.

Communication is a big part of the buying and selling process. Get a sense about the agent's communication style and whether he or she is responsive and reachable.

Don't hesitate to ask an agent about experience. Experience matters, because contracts are complex and vitally important. A good agent will be familiar with every nuance of a contract and will help protect your purchase or sale.

5. Check that the agent is licensed. Agents are required to be licensed. They must take 90 hours of classroom education, where they learn about lending, Arizona and federal regulations, appraisals, closings and other topics, and they must pass an exam, according to the Arizona Department of Real Estate. If an agent is a Realtor, he or she is a member of the National Association of Realtors.

Check the Arizona Department of Real Estate's website, azre.gov, to view license information, disciplinary actions and other information about the real-estate agent or company.

Reporter Sue Doerfler contributed to this report.