How to find a "good" RE agent?

My wife and I are looking for our first home. I contacted a real estate agent through Zillow, who started sending me some MLS properties. She suggested we look at another foreclosed town home. On Sunday, I met a real estate agent who showed the foreclosure, listed for $89k.

After gushing about her credentials (she is on the state board), she mentioned that she's received 3 calls about the property so far and that there is a lot of interest.

After looking around, when I was leaving, she casually suggested that I offer $100k. I thanked her for her time and left.

After looking around I figured out that the agent's broker is the listing agent. Conveniently, the MLS links she has been sending me don't list the listing broker.

When I emailed her to ask, she just sent me a doc that covers agency relationships. She never disclosed the relationship, only left me to discover it. I'm put off by the first contact. Two other RE agents never called me back.

Can anyone spoon feed me some tips on finding, interviewing, and selecting an ethical real estate professional?

Jake Kucheck

Residential Real Estate Agent · Newport Beach, California

Pro Basic

722 posts
8 awards
69 influence

Jan 23, 12:03 PM

Where I am, the MLS shows how many transactions they've done. If you ask them how many transactions they've done, and what they tell you is accurate (within reason), then you probably have a good chance the agent is ethical. If they start touting how they are a "top producer" or "in the top 1%"... worry. If they blatantly lie about their transactional history... run.

What you've described sounds like a fairly typical agent, and the listings and docs she's sent you also sound fairly typical.

Your skepticism of these basics tells me you're fairly new... so I would start with more research before proceeding to buy property.

Anthony Y.

Real Estate Investor · Dallas, Texas

69 posts
1 award
50 influence

Jan 23, 12:07 PM

I listen to Dave Ramsey from time to time and he promotes his ELP for Realtors. I've heard good things about it but I personally haven't tried it myself. Of course go through your own due diligence in interviewing these Realtors.

Buck Tadlock

Rehabber · Pearland, Texas

28 posts
1 award
50 influence

Jan 23, 12:57 PM

If you have a local REI club, ask them/there for agent referrals. Some may even have realtors as members and would be very helpful from an investment point of view.

Barbee T.

Real Estate Investor · Lawrenceville, Georgia

Pro Basic

18 posts
1 award
50 influence

Jan 23, 01:04 PM

Joe, are you buying a house to reside in? It sounds like it, but asking. Therefore, why are you using an RE agent? What is your purpose? Her purpose was to offer high? So what there are 3 other calls, the one offer that is accepted gets the house. Or not and go on to find another one.

I have many friends that are RE agents so I am by no means talking against them but you have to follow your gut (heart). Bad feeling means bye bye. I am in the customer service business and I own my business (non RE) and my clients love me and I am never too busy. You should have a warm and fuzzy for buying the LARGEST purchase in your life. My point, find a warm and fuzzy agent. It should be a GREAT buying experience!

Matthew Paetz

Real Estate Investor · Los Angeles, California

123 posts
4 awards
50 influence

Jan 23, 01:06 PM

Joe,

I would suggest working with a full time agent 1st. This means the person is out in the area everyday and should have a good idea of what's available in the area you're looking.

I would also go with an agent that interviews you as well. If the agent is diligent about your having all the proper paper work in place is most likely someone who is on top of things and will be very informed when it comes to details. Most new agents will gladly put you in the car and run you around town without even knowing if you are pre-qualified.

New agents are eager, experienced ones are diligent ( most of the time ).

I wish you the best with your first home and CONGRATS in advance.

Jamie Cox

Residential Real Estate Agent · Las Vegas, Nevada

47 posts
1 award
50 influence

Jan 23, 01:09 PM

I've had many clients come to me through the title company. Investors have actually called their office and asked for a referral to an agent that's closing a lot of business. I personally wouldn't have thought to do this but looking back it's a pretty good idea.

Dale Osborn

Mobile Home Investor · Spanaway, Washington

1,307 posts
16 awards
61 influence

Jan 23, 01:17 PM

Joe - If you do a search on this topic in the archives - you will find many other articles that talk about trying to find a "good" realtor - I have answered on many and still feel - the best thing you can do is to leave the stumbling block out of the middle.

Joe Turner

· Maplewood, Minnesota

4 posts
50 influence

Jan 23, 04:49 PM

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

I've was referred to two realtors. I've already interviewed one who has a five year track record in my area, and will be interviewing another one before making my decision.