Finding the best Realtor

Finding a Realtor, or a real estate agent who is an active member of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) can be daunting. These Realtors stick to a pledge of performance and service contained in a code of ethics. The document spells out their duties and responsibilities to clients and customers, and metes out disciplinary action to members who violate rules.

Agents and brokers who are not part of NAR are not Realtors.

Thus, the first thing you should look for in a candidate is their NAR membership. Once you’ve checked this out, you can move on to the next level in your search for the best Realtor.

Here are steps to take:

Look up properties in the area you’d like to move to

If you’re looking for a home in Northern Washington, Coldwell Banker Chelan lists a range of options including waterfront homes, vacant land, and condominiums. Browse homes in Wenatchee, Leavenworth, East Wenatchee, Cashmere, or among featured listings. Contact Coldwell Banker Chelan here.

If you’d like to learn more about the agents representing properties in a particular area, check out their testimonials or their online reviews.

An agent finder tool also points to agents in your chosen area.

Interview at least three agents

There’s nothing like directly asking questions about their strategies, knowledge of the area, industry network, availability, attitude, etc. Some candidates will suit your personality (do you prefer constant follow-ups, or would you rather let the person work on their own?), others may not. Interviews let you know the person more.

Check local expertise

Does the candidate know the neighborhood inside out? Are they familiar with its home value, stores, restaurants, schools, parks, top destinations, etc.?

Observe responsiveness

How well does the agent value prospective clients? Call or message candidates. See how fast they respond. If you don’t hear back within a reasonable time period, consider other prospects.

Check credentials

Being associated with a reputable brokerage is half the work. Otherwise, check the agent’s real estate license and find out the transactions they’ve been a part of.

Ask about “days on market” average

This should be equivalent to about half of the days a property stays on the market for typical agents.

Inquire about the number of homes sold for the past 12 months

Although volume isn’t the biggest deciding factor in choosing a Realtor, you want someone who remains active in the business. The more transactions an agent has, the better they are in resolving issues that could arise from home selling.

Ask about longevity

Experience doesn’t mean someone is good on the job, but it can teach the Realtor many things that could benefit the client.

Take note of the price range of the homes they represent

The Realtor must deal with home buyers within your price range since negotiation tactics hinge on the kind of home you want to buy.

Find out how many clients they have

You want someone who has time for you, not someone with too many things on their plate.

Get the contact information of their three latest buyers

Ask for references. Obtain the phone numbers and email addresses of their latest clients. Ask these buyers about their experience working with the agent.

We at Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate have over 40 years of experience in Wenatchee, WA real estate. We have Premier Office Gold designation and International Sterling Society Office awards to our name. We have the best Realtors in our team. As such, we are recognized as one of the top-performing real estate units among Coldwell Banker’s over 3,300 offices worldwide.

Call 509.888.8887 or drop us a line at info(at)cbcascade(dotted)com. We’d love to hear from you whether you’re buying or selling your home in north central Washington.