Choosing The Best Realtor

By Author: James Murr
Total Articles: 4762
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In today's turbulent real estate market, it has never been more important to select the realtor that will best represent the interests of the client. In a marketplace filled with opportunity, valuable tax incentives and fluctuating values, proven experience, integrity, market awareness and outstanding communication skills are essential. No client can afford to compromise on these qualities. Real estate acquisitions and sales are too significant to place in the care of inexperienced, unproven realtors.

Whether dealing with a commercial or residential property transaction, the client should verify that the realtor is a member in good standing with the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This membership assures the client of the realtor's commitment to educational programs and compliance with standards of ethical conduct and cooperation. The National Association of Realtors has been instrumental in developing and implementing high ethical standards of conduct throughout the industry.

In addition to enrollment with the NAR, the realtor that can best locate and list for sale either residential or commercial ...
... properties will be a member of a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a regional marketplace that is designed to assure clients of maximum exposure to available properties and the cooperation of many other real estate companies. Whether buying or selling, clients should insist that the realtor be a member of the local Multiple Listing Service.

It is important to recognize that the term realtor refers to the agency itself. Realtors, or real estate brokers, retain agents that list, sell and lease real estate, on behalf of the realtor. However, the realtor is responsible for the activity and conduct of its agents, the company's marketing plans and the interaction with other cooperating brokerages. Selecting a proven and reputable realtor can maximize the sale of a real estate property and assure the buyer of making an informed choice.

Real estate marketing has changed dramatically in the past few years. The industry has been impacted by the advent of enhanced MLS services that have made properties available for review on the internet. A recent survey showed that nearly 70% of residential homebuyers began their search on the internet. In today's marketplace, the best realtors have fine-tuned internet strategies, marketing plans and communication programs that keep their agents, their listings and their clients abreast of activity as it occurs.

Programs such as virtual tours and digital photography can do much to enhance the visibility of listings and can be supplemented with the availability of aerial photographs, tax documents and copies of deeds and disclosure statements. Good realtors are capitalizing on the public's desire for internet access by creating web logs for listings, agents and relevant projects.

As important as the internet is to overall real estate marketing, it is imperative to select a realtor with outstanding communication capabilities. There is no reason for a realtor to miss a call or be unaware of market activity as it happens. The best realtors understand the importance of being on top of the market at all times and are always available to their clients. With advances in new telephone systems, buyers and sellers alike will benefit from a relationship with a realtor who is always at the ready.

Traditional real estate marketing activities, like signs, brochures, flyers, business cards and even Open Houses still have value in the marketplace. Good realtors incorporate these standards with new-age technology to maximize exposure and facilitate the purchase and sale process.

All sound realtors are current on mortgage markets. Many of the best realtors have direct lines of access to lending institutions and programs. In today's marketplace, clients should examine the realtor's knowledge and connections to the financing arm of the industry. A realtor's ability to connect buyers and sellers to suitable financing can have a big impact o a property's marketability and can help bring transactions together easily.
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