You often hear that sellers should be very picky when choosing an agent to market a listing, but little advice is given to buyers on how to find a real estate professional.  In fact, most offices require their agents to work “floor time” or an “opportunity schedule” so that a licensed professional is always available if a customer calls looking for an agent.  This results in many clients simply letting their fingers do the walking to find someone who will help with one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

However, when you choose a Realtor to work with when you purchase a home, that agent needs to be just as professional, informed, and experienced as one you’d get to list your house.  My friend Kathy listed some questions on her site this week for buyers to ask Realtors when choosing who to work with.  There are some great questions to ask a buyers agent when you’re considering a home purchase.  For example,

• What percent of your business is by referral?
• What is the absorption rate of this market?
• Do you hold the ABR designation?
• Can I call your last buyers or sellers and ask their opinion of your work? Or ask to see copies of letters or thank you cards given to you from buyers or sellers.

I encourage you to read the entire post and I reiterate what Kathy said in that any knowledgeable real estate agent should be able to answer these questions intelligently.