How Do I Choose the Best Real Estate Broker?

In order to choose the best real estate broker, you can begin with recommendations, carry out your own research, and may want to consider personally interviewing any potential candidates. One way to start this type of search is to ask your friends and family who they have used in the past, as their experiences can help guide you to quality brokerages, or steer you away from unsatisfactory ones. You may also want to investigate a broker's other listings to see how he or she services them, how long they take to sell on average, and other factors. After you have narrowed down a potential list of brokers, you may want to contact each one, either over the phone or in person, and talk about what they can do for you, which can help you gauge which one would be the best real estate broker for you.

Whether you are buying a home or dealing in commercial property, choosing the best real estate broker can save you both time and money. Since these professionals are responsible for representing you in complex real estate transactions, a good broker can also help you avoid any headaches or pitfalls that might come up along the way. Keep in mind that the terminology varies from one jurisdiction to another, and broker does not always mean the same thing. Some areas award the title of broker to all licensed real estate professionals, and the title of managing broker to individuals who own or run a brokerage; other regions may have more complex distinctions between brokers and other real estate professionals.

The first step to finding the best real estate broker is typically to ask friends, family and acquaintances for recommendations. Prior real estate transaction experiences of people you trust can be helpful in this early stage, and may guide you towards a brokerage that will be able to meet your needs. Recommendations should not be the only method you use to select a broker though. Since everyone has their own unique needs and expectations, yours may differ from those of family members and friends.

After you have identified some potential brokerages, you may want to sit down with individual agents, salespeople, or brokers. It is important to select an individual who is familiar with your area, the type of property you own or are interested in buying, and who is willing and able to provide the level of service you require. The approach you take to these conversations is a personal choice, and you may want to chat conversationally or take an approach that is closer to carrying out job interviews. To choose the best real estate broker for your needs, you may want to ask about the length of time a broker has been selling real estate in the area, what qualifications he or she has, and how your home would be marketed.