Is it time to buy or sell a home? If so, there are probably a thousand questions crossing your mind. But the first and most important question you should ask -- and the one that will determine the answers of hundreds to follow -- is Which Agent Should I Choose?

Before you make your choice, there are a number of things you need to consider -- and a few ground rules you need to establish. After all, you're going to be spending a lot of time with your agent, and you'll be entrusting them with one of the most important decisions of your lifetime. So why not ask a few questions of your own? Let

s take a look at the ten most critical queries you should make in your search for the perfect agent!

1
Experience counts for a lot in the real estate business, and it should be the first thing you ask about. An experienced agent frequently knows the ins and outs of the business better than someone who's just starting out. But that doesn't mean that a greenhorn can't be a good agent -- there are many rookies with impressive track records, sharp instincts, and sound skills, and you should go with your gut instinct in deciding who would best suit your needs.

2
Any good agent should. (There are some excellent agents who don't, but not many.) A written marketing plan shows a level of commitment and organization that's desirable in an agent. It also provides a springboard for discussion between the client and the agent, and lets every client know what to expect before the first step is taken.

3
Large organizations and well-established agents often have a large pool of prequalified buyers just waiting to see your home...and that saves time and minimizes risk.

4
Knowing the asking and selling prices of comparable properties in your neighborhood is a must, and any good agent knows it. A Comparative Marketing Analysis (CMA) is one of the most basic and valuable tools any agent can provide, and you should insist on it.

5
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is one of the world's best and largest resources for home buyers and sellers, and every agent worth their salt takes advantage of it. There is rarely a good reason for an agent to bypass the MLS.

6
More and more these days, agents competitively advertise their properties in newspapers, magazines, and online. An agent who is media-savvy and technologically up-to-date will give buyers and sellers a distinct advantage in today's real estate market.

7
In real estate -- as with any business enterprise -- who you know is every bit as important as what you know. A top agent can put the word out on your home with other top agents, and can help buyers find prime properties fast.

8
Staying in touch means staying in touch through every stage of your transaction. Once a week is good. Twice a week is even better. Any less than that, and you may want to find someone who's not too busy...or at least someone who's not too busy for you.

9
References from satisfied clients can be a very valuable tool in choosing the perfect agent...but you need an agent who's willing to provide them. (If they're not, forget it.) When checking the references, look for reliability, results, satisfaction, and comparable words or phrases. Also pay close attention for qualities that you find admirable in others (friendliness, promptness, etc.) Be wary of quotes which appear to be heavily edited, or don't include the name of the client.

10
Seems like a simple question. But it's not, really. Too often when asked a question like this, an agent will say something vague, like "I provide great service." What you're looking for is an answer that will hint at the agent's commitment or integrity. The more genuine the response, the more likely you are to have a winner. If the agent balks at this question, or gets at all defensive, search elsewhere. Life is simply too short.

Tomi Johnson
Realty One Real Living
3994 E. Harbor Rd
Port Clinton, OH 43452
888-807-4110 toll free
419-0276 cell phone
419-734-7260 fax
tomi@vacationlandconnection.com