Interesting one reply was to go with a large company since they had more listings..in other words they are looking to only show you the listings in their company and not the best deals from the MLS. You are interested in the homes, not the name/size of company. It is the home, not the sign in the yard that matters. An agent only interested in showing you listings from their company is not serving your interests.

Hi, have you found a Realtor to work with in Johnson City yet? Have you found a house to buy? Just checking. I'm here for you if you haven't.

You want your realtor to be someone you feel comfortable. This could be with the small, local real estate company or the largest one in the area. It all depends on the agent, not necessarily the company. However, you shouldn't rule out considering those that have grown substantially over recent years above the competition. There may be a good reason for it. When you are buying a home, it is not important how many listings the agent has. What is important is their ability to listen, listen, listen to your needs and wants and their ability to translate that into helping you find the right home to meet your needs. Agents love to talk, but we must be better listeners to our clients. Test them on their listening skills. An agent's communication and customer service skills should be excellent. You should be able to judge that relatively quickly in how they treat and respond to you.

References, references, references! As with any good business, a Realtor should be able to give you three references. And make sure you call them! These three references should give you a broad enough perspective of the potential Realtor. Remember though, even after you sign an buyer's rep agreement with them, you're still in the driver's seat - if you're not satisfied with their performance, you can move on. Just put it in writing. There's plenty of good Realtors out there (just ask anyone on this site, and they'll all be happy to show you anything you want!!), so best of luck!

As said below you want someone who is going to work for you. Ask them to show you a list of properties, then ask how many of them are their listings. If there isn’t one from another agency, it might be a bad sign. You don’t want an agent that tells you what you want. You want someone who is going to find you what you want.

Don't go with the biggest name in town. Most of the time, you will never see them because they are so busy with their other clients. Go for someone who is hungry, enthusiastic and who will be ready to spend time with you. Buying a house is a big investment. You deserve personal attention. When interviewing agents, tell them that you looking for a $100,000 if you are looking for one that's 5 times that much. You'll see right away what they are made of. Remember the scene on Rodeo Drive with Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman". Some agents won't want to deal with you if you don't smell like money. Do you want to deal with someone who is only interested in your wallet. Is that how you decide on relationships?

Michel Bergier
Ph.D., MBA, Realtor

Choose someone who will share the mls listings in the area you are searching not just thiers. You want someone honest and trustworthy who will let you know about disclosures, property restrictions, along with showing you what you want not what they want to show you....

You should consider a brokerage that has a strong Internet presence as well as print advertising dollars. In today’s market you need as many eyes on your property as possible. The agent must have their hands on your local market. They should be able to tell you what your competition is and what you need to do to get sold.

Don’t make the mistake many sellers do by hiring someone only because they know them. They must be experienced and able to spend some of their own money to market your property. The broker does not do all the advertising. It is up to the agent to be sure you are properly represented.

Remember… your home is the largest investment you will make. Treat it as such. Be sure to interview multiple Agents from different brokerages and ask them for proof of what they claim.

Sree: I'm always interested, also, in seeing what the REALTOR or firm is giving back to their local community. Whether large or small, it can be a good indicator of the quality of the agent.

It's all about the agent. The brokerage can be a plus depending on what they provide the agent in the way of training, tools and support.

Because so many people in my city want to keep our dollars local, I benefit from associating with an independent, local firm. I'm also not subject to the whims and expenses of an out of state corporate franchise.

The number of listings a given firm has is not relevant AT ALL. We all use the same MLS!

What IS important is ethics. Find a motivated, friendly, ethical agent and you'll be happy.

Ask your friends and family if they have an agent they have used and liked. When you get names of agents ask for referrals, or check their website for past raving clients. Since you are moving into a new area, you might ask a Realtor in your area if they have a referal to the area you are moving to.

In the case of most of the larger name brokerages, each is only as good as the principal broker who owns the franchise. For example, if you had a bad experience with one Coldwell Banker brokerage doesn't mean you would have that same problem under a different broker.

I do not believe that bigger is better. In many cases, being bigger creates hubris and with hubris, inferior service. "We are the biggest, therefore the best and we don't have to do ANYTHING to justify that position." A smaller, but respected brokerage that is large enough to matter, but small enough to care is often a good bet. Also remember that with the MLS, the fact that larger brokerages generate more traffic and more sources of customers is almost irrelevent.

However, brokerages aside, the most important element is the individual agent. Once again, bigger isn't always better. You want someone who is doing steady business, but has enough time to give you the service and consideration you need. Individual agents even within brokerages vary tremendously with respect to the type and quality of services they offer.

Personal referal is probably the best and most reliable way to find the right agent.

Hi Sree,

Bigger doesn’t always mean better! Your best bet is to get a referral from a friend, family member or business associate for an agent that has a proven track record of being just as ethical as they have been successful. Best of luck to you!

Melissa Mancini, Realtor, CBR, GRI

Sree,
If you have family there I'd ask them first. If not you can also ask where you work to provide you with some recomendations. If that fails let me know and I'd be happy to provide a referral for you if you'll let me know when you plan to move, your price range, and a few of your requirements.

Good answer Dave & Shelia! A company does not help a consumer to buy or sell a home - it's the individual agent's experience, negotiating expertise and marketing efforts that gets the job successfully done. Having a large franchise behind the agent helps in areas like training, administrative support and, in some cases, may also afford a listing added exposure through alternative advertising media and partnerships with companies like Trulia ;-)

Sree,

Not all agents are alike. It's important to know that you have an agent that will look after your interests. If you don't know anyone in your new city, ask a Realtor that you know and trust in your current city to refer you to an agent there. Most large companies are a part of a relocation network that can help screen your Realtor for you. If you need assistance please let me know. My company, Coldwell Banker, is a part of such a relocation network, as I am through the Women's Council of Realtors and the Council of Residential Specialists. I'd be happy to help you find a knowledgable Realtor in your new city.

Milly Burleson@cox.net

The major, international brokerages have the most to offer in many ways; they have more listings, more buyers, more sellers, better resources, etc. As for as a specific Realtor, don't just automatically go with the one who's ads you see everywhere, or who seems to have lots of listings. Frequently those agents are too busy to properly serve their clients, and many times after the initial meeting, you'll never deal with them again, only their "team". The best way to find a Realtor is still by referral from people who have had
a great experience buying or selling. Good luck to you!