Discussion

Attend open houses and use them as a way to informally vet realtors. A good realtor will essentially be auditioning for your business. Alternatively, you can ask for referrals from friends or coworkers. When choosing a realtor, look for someone who listens to your needs, communicates clearly, is prompt and responsive, and has a strong understanding of the local market. The last point is especially important—it’s tough to fake. A good test is to ask them what they think mortgage rates and median home prices will be a year from now. If they claim to know for sure, it’s a red flag—move on to the next one.