How to Make Sure You Hire the Right Realtor

Selecting the right Realtor is probably the most important decision you will make in the buying or selling process. Here's how you choose the right one.

How should you go about selecting the right Realtor for you?

With approximately 22,000 licensed real estate agents in San Diego county, I will tell you how to select the right Realtor because as you know, everyone, and I mean everyone, knows a Realtor.

Here are a few suggestions. Selecting the right Realtor is very important, probably THE MOST important decision you will make in the buying/selling process. It shouldn’t be taken lightly considering buying or selling a home is probably the biggest and most important financial decision you will make in your lifetime.

1. Does the person you are considering choosing work as a Real Estate agent part time or full time? In other words, is real estate their career and does he/she actually make a living at it?

2. How long have they been in business? He/She needs to be in business at least 4 yrs or have successfully closed 48 transactions. Why, because experience is needed when things go wrong and that’s when it pays to have an experienced Realtor by your side.

"It pays to have an experienced 
Realtor by your side."

3. How many homes have they sold in the last 24 months? Make sure they are selling a minimum of 12 homes a year. I know people who have been a “Realtor” for the last 20 years and they average 1-2 homes sold a year. That's not good – they are not in touch with the market nor are they aggressive enough to do what it takes to sell your home for top dollar or get your offer accepted when there are multiple offers on the property.

4. Referrals are always great, but make sure they “check all the boxes.” Speak with their last 3 clients – don’t let them hand pick their references. 

5. Google them. Make sure their on-line reviews are great.

6. Look up their license status at the Department of Real Estate to make sure it is in good standing.

7. Make sure they have a video blog and website and their social media pages are professional.

8. Agent’s Brokerage – Are they a well-established professional real estate company? These Realtors tend to have more knowledgeable brokers and better business practices than the “mom and pop shops.”

9. After you have met with your prospective Realtor – do you get along with them? Can you see spending the next 30, 60 or 90 days with them? A great agent will be in constant communication with you throughout the entire process.

If you follow these suggestions I’m sure you will be working with a professional Realtor who make your home buying/selling a great experience.

**A broker is licensed to render real estate advice. If you desire tax, legal or lending advice, consult the appropriate professional. Videos and marketing by Broker are intended to help educate the public. Laws and real estate practices may change at anytime.  All information deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and determined on a case-by-case basis. If your property is listed, please disregard as it is not our intention to solicit. We cooperate fully with other brokers. Equal Housing Opportunity and member of the National Association of Realtors.