I have been selling real estate in Galveston County for 16 years. Call me! Vicki Baggs @ 409692-1127.

Thu May 29 2008, 14:45

The $64,000 question!! How do I find a great agent?

The best way, as many have already answered, is through a referral from a friend or family member who've already found a great agent, and can pass that name along to you. Make sure that the friend or family member you've taken the referral from is someone who's opinion you respect.

If you don't have that referral, I would strongly suggest visiting Open Houses, and meeting agents who are sitting those Open Houses. Often the agents who are hosting those Opens are not the listing agent. They are agents who are looking to increase their business (in other words "hungry agents") who are out there to meet and greet the public.

Take your time, ask a few "general questions" about the market, and how's business. Get the agent talking a bit about themselves, it shouldn't be difficult, there are very few "shrinking violets" in this industry and we love to talk about real estate and about ourselves. After you've been to a fair number of Opens, you'll begin to get a feel for the type of agent you like and click with. Some of the agents you may run into more than once.

When you've found 2 or 3 that you think you may like, it's time to narrow the field. If you're selling, hopefully, you've been attending open houses, similar to the type of property you're going to sell. (if not, start again) Interview each of those agents, and get a feel for their personality, their marketing plan for your property, have them produce a CMA (Competitive Market Analysis) for your home. Ask them pointed questions. What would you price our house at to be sold quickly? How quickly do you think we could sell? What would you recommend if we're still unsold in 30 days, 60 days, 120 days? Where will you advertise and why? What's your internet presence? How reachable are you? How often will you upate us? You get the idea.

For a buyer's agent, the process is different. Find the 2-3 that you like and tell each of them, that you'd like the to put you on their e-mailing list and begin sending you listings that might fit you, and begin going out to see properties with each of them. Let them all know that you're going to be "Testing" 2-3 agents for the next 4-5 weeks (be upfront), and you'll be hiring the one that impresses you and fits best. And then stick to that... don't drag 2-3 agents around with you for months and months... it's not fair to all involved.

Good luck and have fun!

Mon Jan 28 2008, 06:25

Here's another thought.. All the answers are right, but they not be right for you. Certainly, experience, success, listings, etc. matter. But this is an employee--employer relationship. So here's what do you do: find(using the methods outlined below) some people to interview. Then pick the one that you are most comfortable with. He/she might not be the top producer in the area, he might not have the most experience--but this agent is right for you. If he is not responsive, replace him. If you would like, I could refer you someone to interview. It's your money, your house, your move--so you get to make the decisions.

Mon Jan 28 2008, 06:22

Christine,

The answer to that is easy. Start with Keller Williams the largest and most successful real estate company. Keller Williams was founded in Texas by Gary Keller to help agents better serve their clients.
I have a great agent for you to contact.

Name: Gary Swafford
Credentials: GRI
Address: 8514 Hwy. 6 North
City: Houston, TX 77095
Cell: (832) 279-9960
Fax Number: (281) 856-7082
E-Mail: houstontxrealtor@aol.com

Gary is a great listing agent in Houston who will know how to help you. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Have a great day.


Tom Phillips
Keller Williams Realty
Realtor/ Investment Broker
Cell: (210) 857-2375
Fax: (210) 568-4307
E-mail: tomphillips@kw.com
Web: www.tomphillipsrealtor.com

Sun Jan 27 2008, 07:25

Christine, the best advice I can give you is to drive around a 5-7 mile radius around your home. Look at all the listing signs and make of note of the number of listings each agent represents. Choose the top 3 and interview each of them thoroughly. Get referrals, a minimum of 3, and call each one. Pick the one you feel the most comfortable with. Look for the one who comes across serious, ambitious and honest.

Here's why!
Agents who specialize in your neighborhood know it the best. With this expertise they can help you price your home accurately since they “live and breath” where you live. They also have the most experience experimenting with ways to sell these homes. This is extremely valuable. Last but not least, they are vested in the neighborhood and have a keen interest to stay ahead of their competition. Agents targeted in the neighborhood you live in are specialized and should be regarded as highly effective and knowledgeable.

Although there is not sure way to measure whom may be best to list your home this is most likely the best approach. Good Luck and happy selling.

Sun Jan 27 2008, 05:18

Christine
You have some great advice to start.
The key question is the sale or puchase of a property is: what is important to you about the sale or purchase?
for example, do you WANT to sell, or do you NEED to sell? Why? What is the drawback if your property does not sell? What alternatives to do you have?
Depending upon your situation, selling may not be THE answer. It could be one of the alternatives.

The reason I make this point is that in a buyer's market, sellers need to clear on why they are selling. In ANY market, there are people that HAVE to buy, and those that HAVE to sell.

Let's not muddy the waters with people that are not certain. It may be after this post you have questions. I suggest explaining your situation to a Realtor, then see what they say. In most cases there are more alternatives than might appear at first glance.

Like Abe Lincoln said, "Make sure you are right, then go ahead.:
Good luck!

Sat Jan 26 2008, 21:55

Good question. I'd ask friends and family or coworkers.
You might also start by speaking with some of the realtors in the area that have signs in the yards.
If that doesn't work, let me know and we can provide you a referral in your area.

Sat Jan 26 2008, 18:51