Choosing a Seattle Washington Real Estate Agent

How To Choose Your Real Estate Agent

There's a saying in the Seattle Washington real estate industry regarding the vast number of agents in the business: "If you don't have any friends who are real estate agents in Seattle, then you probably don't have any friends at all."

With so many agent out there, how can you find a quality agent? Do you choose a friend, neighbor or coworker and risk ruining a relationship? Should you work with an agent at a large firm with a great reputation, a lesser-known small firm, a franchise with offices all over the county or an independent office that focuses on the neighborhood?

The Agent Must Be Experienced

The Seattle Washington real estate industry is constantly turning over real estate agents. In Seattle Washington, this creates a constantly new sales force. All of these new agents begin with good intentions, but why put one of the largest investments you'll make in someone’s hands who doesn’t have experience?

Any agent you choose should have at least two years experience. Any Seattle Washington real estate agent still in the business after two years has demonstrated they have what it takes to survive in a competitive industry

Look for A Commitment

Another problem in the Seattle Washington real estate industry is a large number of part time and “weekend warrior” real estate agents. These people have either retired from some other career, work in real estate occasionally or are earning a second income for the family and honestly don't need to work full time.

No matter how long they’ve been in the Seattle Washington real estate industry, their lack of full-time commitment makes it impossible for them to keep up with the vast changes in Seattle Washington real estate law, changes in each Seattle Washington neighborhood market, local laws, and the latest marketing and business practices that are required to be successful.

If an agent isn't working at least forty hours a week, fifty weeks a year, look for a more qualified real estate agent.

Consider Their Education

In the majority of states, the requirements for real estate licensing are substantially less than those for getting an Associates Degree. In the State of Washington, all that is required is a sixty-hour class and a multiple-choice test. You cannot rely on licensing to indicate expert knowledge. Unfortuneatly, most agents’ education stops after the licensing exam.

Interview Multiple Agents

Before you hire a Seattle Washington real estate agent to help you buy or sell a home, you should interview at least three agents face to face. You should get recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues. You should also look on the internet (who is appearing at the top of your search results?), in magazines and the local newspaper to see what kind of marketing the different Seattle Washington real estate agents are doing in your area and call a few that stick out to you.

Then make a few phone calls to determine which of the Seattle Washington real estate agents on your list are full time, experienced and hold any additional designations and certifications

The interview doesn’t need to be formal. When you sit down with a Seattle Washington real estate agent, you let them know up front that you are interviewing a few agents and you will make a decision at a later time. It is an opportunity for you to meet the agent and explain your needs, wants, and expectations; and to determine whether you would be comfortable working with them. Ask whatever questions you like, or simply explain your goals and listen carefully to what they propose to do for you in meeting your needs.

Making Your Decision

If you follow the above information, you will find that there are well-qualified agents working small and large firms. Your Seattle Washington real estate decision must be made based on the competency of the agent and company you will be working with until your home is bought or sold.