By admin1
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How to vet an agent’s credentials, license, and history
To fully vet a real estate agent candidate, you can check their state license and any disciplinary history, research their past sales data, read online client reviews, and contact their references directly. This due diligence process verifies that the agent’s claims match their actual record.
Check their license
The first step is to verify that the agent holds an active real estate license in your state by visiting your state’s real estate licensing agency website. The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) maintains a list of real estate regulatory agencies. You can also search the internet for the state agency that monitors agent licenses in your state.
Research sales history
Check the agent profiles on Zillow, Realtor.com, and their brokerage site for summaries. You can also use public records, such as county websites, for official data. However, always ask the agent for their recent sales list. Online numbers can be incomplete or misleading (because of team sales), so interview the agent and verify their sales history details.
Read client reviews
Look for online reviews and testimonials on multiple platforms, including requesting recommendations from consolidated systems like HomeLight to get a comprehensive view of an agent’s past performance. Pay attention to comments about their communication, negotiation skills, and problem-solving abilities. The Better Business Bureau can also be a valuable resource to find brokerage reviews and complaints.
Contact references
Don’t hesitate to ask your top agent candidates for a list of recent clients you can contact. Speaking directly with past clients is one of the most effective vetting methods. Ask about their overall experience, the agent’s responsiveness, and how they handled any challenges. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or trusted colleagues who have recently sold a home.
Red flags to watch for when choosing an agent
Key red flags to watch for when choosing an agent include a poor digital footprint, evasiveness on strategy, bad communication, weak performance metrics, and high-pressure sales tactics. Identifying these warning signs, which often signal the absence of qualities of a trustworthy real estate agent, can save you from a stressful experience.
No digital footprint
A minimal or unprofessional digital footprint is a major red flag in today’s market. A weak online presence suggests the agent may not have the modern marketing skills needed to give your property maximum exposure to potential buyers.
Evasive on strategy or price
A red flag is any agent who is evasive or cannot clearly explain their recommended list price and marketing plan using concrete data. If a candidate gives vague answers or suggests an unrealistically high price without justification, proceed with caution.
Poor communication
Poor communication during the interview process is a significant red flag. Slow response times or vague answers are strong indicators of how an agent will communicate once you are their client.
Underwhelming performance metrics
Underwhelming performance metrics, such as a consistently high DOM or a low sales-to-list price ratio compared to the local average, are clear red flags. These data points directly reflect an agent’s pricing and negotiation skills.
High-pressure tactics
Beware of any agent who pressures you to sign a listing agreement on the spot. A true professional will respect your need to interview other candidates and make an informed decision.
Lack of transparency on fees
A lack of transparency about fees is a major red flag. An agent should be completely upfront and clear about their commission structure and all associated costs, including how buyer agent compensation will be handled.
