Choosing a REALTOR®

Choosing the right REALTORŪ for you is a critical step in the real estate process.

The first thing you should do is determine if the agent is a REALTOR®.

Additional questions to ask include:

  • Does the agent have an active real estate license in good standing? To find this information, check their name with the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth.
  • Does the agent belong to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and/or a reliable online home buyer's search service? Multiple Listing Services are cooperative information networks of REALTORSŪ that provide descriptions of most of the houses for sale in a particular region.
  • Is real estate their full-time career?
  • What real estate designations does the agent hold?
  • Which party is he or she representing--you or the seller? This discussion is supposed to occur early on, at "first serious contact" with you. The agent should discuss Michigan's definitions of agency, so you'll know where you stand.
  • In exchange for your commitment, how will the agent help you accomplish your goals? Show you homes that meet your requirements and provide you with a list of the properties he or she is showing you?

Source: Realtor.com