How do you find a good realtor? - Zillow Real Estate Advice

Personally, I like to pick professionals that enjoy critical discourse.

If I were not in the industry, I would go on sites like Zillow and check out what agents give for advice. Do they tell people what they want to hear? How?forthright do they seem? Are they willing to discuss when they think something is over-priced or not in someone's best interest? Are they willing to haggle for a few thousand left on the table? Do they point out things you aren't paying enough attention to? I would look for the same things in-person when connecting. Tact is a lovely quality, but I want someone who is incredibly knowledgeable and will tell me what I need to hear to make an informed decision...even if it isn't what I want to hear.

I pay a lot less attention to full-time/part-time (which is not a good indicator in my opinion), how long they have been doing it, etc. The market has changed so much in the past few years. Perhaps once upon a time people were better if full-time and only dabbled if part-time. These days it may mean that they were smart enough to diversify and aren't overly hungry for a sale. Short sales, foreclosures and even "traditional" transactions function much more differently than they used to, making time in the business less important than the ability to adapt to market changes, new lending requirements, different sorts of follow up, etc. Don't worry so much about the suit and the fancy car. I drive an 11 year old car - it's comfortable and functions well. I bought it new and don't sink money into depreciating assets (a sign of financial prudence I would want in someone advising me on a 5-6+ digit transaction). I ditched the suits and heels long ago when showing houses in favor of tape measures, flashlights, moisture meters, ground detectors and clothing I don't mind crawling through an attic or under a porch in.

Finally, follow your gut. Most people know if a salesperson is a goon.

Source: http://www.zillow.com/advice-thread/How-do-you-find-a-good-realtor/472642/

peoples choice awards deplorable mls draft mark davis marine urination video cadillac ats bain capital