All Realtors are created equal, right? It’s one of the biggest misunderstandings I hear on the real estate market of today and it’s simply not true. That’s like saying all Football players are the same, all teachers are the same, all mechanics are the same or all Doctors are the same, nothing could be further from the truth.

I would attribute some of this to the upswing in the more recent real estate market and some jumping on the bandwagon of easier times, the ability to fairly easily obtain a real estate license and also the reaction we all have at times to salespeople but it still does not hold water.

Coming from a background of owning a successful auto repair shop I even used to hear all mechanics are the same. The fact is real estate agents are defined easily if you take a close look. I have some great friends in this business that I can look at from the outside and see vast differences in them from the typical agent who may be in it for the short haul.

So the line is forming at your door and the day to chose a Realtor is here, how do you decide, what do you look for, how are they really different?

Marketing. No two real estate companies or agents are the same. You’re the seller; you’re the one hiring so you owe it to yourself to research the differences. Ask about the Internet and how they will utilize it, ask about real estate videos, ads, local publications and why they chose to use the ones they do; that question alone will show you allot about the agent.

Experience, how long they have been in the business, number of successful transactions, customer feedback and testimonials are all things you should look at. Let’s say you need a transplant, would you just go to any hospital and choose any surgeon that happens to be available? Of course not so why would you choose to leave your equity in the hands of just anyone? It may not be your health but it is your life’s hard work and savings in the balance.

Feedback is essential in a good working business relationship. Make sure you are going to be informed of what’s happening during the sale, feedback, showings, marketing and advice as time moves on not just a return call because you contacted the agent. I can not tell you how many times I hear “the agent seemed nice but now that the sign is in our yard we never hear from them”!

“I’m going to list with the Realtor who offers the lowest commission.” I like this one! The old saying, “you get exactly what you pay for” pretty well applies to just about everything in life including real estate! There are many limited services brokerages to choose from. When a Realtor says they will do it for less, your ears need to perk up immediately! You need to begin to look very closely at what services you may or may not be about to receive. Have you ever bought anything cheap that was any good?

Shop for a Realtor the same way you would any other service! Compare and then decide. You’ll be glad you did!

Derrick