In order to find a real estate broker or agent who meets your needs and makes your buying or selling experience a positive one, Century 21 Real Estate Corporation recommends you:

1. DO NOT blindly walk into or call a neighborhood firm and ask for an agent at random.
   

   
   

2. Ask friends and family for recommendations.
   

   
   

3. Interview several real estate agents:
   
   
   
   • Find out their history with the brokerage, their experience and background.
     

   • Gauge their knowledge of your favorite towns.
     

   • Ask for a list of previous clients and their phone numbers.
     

   
   

4. Pay attention to whether a potential agent is listening closely to what you say.
   
   
   
   • Is he or she asking follow-up questions which prompt further explanation and help him or her understand exactly your needs and wants?
     

   
   

5. Give a potential agent the opportunity to educate you.
   
   
   
   • A good agent should walk a customer through the buying or selling process before ever showing properties or discussing a specific transaction.
     

   
   

6. Have a good idea of what you expect from an agent and communicate those expectations.
   
   
   
   • How often do you want to hear from your agent?
     

   • Do you want to hold meetings at your house rather than the real estate office?
     

   
   

7. Weigh the
   
   
   benefits of working with an experienced agent versus a novice.
   
   
   
   • An experienced agent may have more insight, but a new agent may have innovative ideas or more energy and time.
     

   
   

8. Find an agent who complements your personality.
   
   
   
   • If you like to start your day at 7:00 a.m., don't choose an agent who arrives to the office at 10:00 a.m.
     

   • If your preferred method of communication is e-mail, don't choose an agent whose most advanced technology is a fax machine.
     

   
   

9. Evaluate the agent's firm and/or office.
   
   
   
   • Look for a real estate organization whose agents can empower you with real estate expertise and resources and provide first-rate customer service.
     

   
   

10. Look for an agent who will be your partner.
    
    
    
    • Find someone you trust, who will give you the facts, help you make intelligent, well-informed decisions and work with you throughout the entire process.
      

    
    

W. Troy Swezey is the author of “Top Ten Suggestions for Selecting a Real Estate Agent." As a Realtor at Century 21 Paul & Associates, he has helped many individuals with their real estate needs. Visit his web site to download his free e-book, “REAL ESTATE SECRETS EXPOSED.” http://www.TroyIsMyRealtor.com or mail to: TroyC21@usa.net