HOW TO CHOOSE A REALTOR- Platinum REVIEWED Agent

First off, I would like to say that I am speaking from a sellers agent as almost all of my business comes from working on the seller's side of a transaction and I feel this is important to share as I have some additional insight as to what what I am seeing in our market. Don't get me wrong, I still love to help buyer's and do, but some of the information below would have not been learned had I had more limited amount of experience on the listing side.

1.) Don't write sloppy offers!

While the market may have slowed down a bit, some of the best homes still end up getting multiple offers, and when that happens whether it be 2 offers competing or 20, I often wonder if some of the buyers ever know their offer was written less favorably from the start due to sloppy errors on the contract, or not properly including documents requested from the start as I always include offer suggestions/tips in agent attachments. To me the offers that shine not only include price, but are well written. My advice is that now may not be the time to let a friend or part time agent represent your best interest even if they will kick back part of their commission. This won't matter if you never close on your dream home.

2.) Shop or sell with local-

There are ways to filter agents on HAR to find out who has done business in the area you plan to do business. Having an agent who understands the market and sells homes in the ZIP code/ City (close proximity) that you are looking to purchase or sell is important. Look at their RECENT number of closings (most homes RECENTLY sold option is at your fingertips) in the AREA you are looking to purchase in or sell in. This may help you understand if they work full time or how long they have been licensed. Ask them how they handle juggling multiple clients, multiple offers, etc. An agents duty is to put their clients interests above their own. With that being said, many times, I have decided to refer a client looking to purchase or sell in other parts of the surrounding areas of Houston as that is in the best interest of the client. Most clients appreciate that I referred them to someone local. Think of it as market specialist. Kind of like a medical specialist. You don't see the nose guy for the foot pain. In total transparancy, sure there have been a few times despite my recommendation and honest feedback about less knowledge of a particular area that a repeat client or family member has insisted my representation, but in those cases, they knew the area well, and I was honest that I know the contract not the smells of a nearby landfill.

3.) If selling your home, look at their past SOLD listings as the seller's agent for photos, descriptions and overall presentation to find the majority. Sure not every seller will follow the agent's make ready recommendations perfectly, but did they take blurry photos possibly with their cell phone. We have all seen those listings where the agent's reflection is in the mirror or the room is super dark. Your home deserves better than that!

So you maybe asking, how do you find your seasoned pro? Well HAR makes it easy. When searching, I suggest you start with your preferred zip code and check the box below for Platinum Agent only and WITH Reviews which means they survey all clients, then sort by most sales in an area. You may notice quickly that some agents have reviews and others do not on HAR. From what I understand, to have reviews on HAR, agents must be a Platinum member AND send a survey to every client that they close. If agents fail to send one survey, they won't any have reviews on HAR thus helping with transparancy. You will find several agents and you should take the time to read reviews on HAR and even other sites. Google makes that easy also.

I hope this is helpful and best success with your next move!