Realtor Q&A: How to Select the Right Broker for You

A home is often the most valuable asset a person will own which makes choosing the right real estate broker to help you buy or sell a property an important choice. Coldwell Banker Preferred representatives have offered their expertise to help you find the right broker.

Linda Dickinson, Branch Manager of Coldwell Banker Preferred in Haddonfield, N.J. said to seek out recommendations and testimonials from satisfied clients.

Dan Giannetto, Branch Manager of Coldwell Banker Preferred – Old City, said to get referrals from friends and family and online. He gives more weight to good online reviews than bad ones. “For someone to sit down and go out of their way to write something, the agent must have done something really well,” he said.

He added that it’s important to find an agent who does business in the neighborhood where you want to buy or sell a house.

“See how an agent will stage a home and present themselves by attending open houses,” said Branch Manager, Corinne Heim of Coldwell Banker Preferred – Exton. “Especially open houses similar to the homes they currently live in so they know if the agent is experienced and qualified,” Heim said.

She also recommends calling brokerage firms to interview their top agents. Ask how they promote the listings in their office and how they plan to stage and neutralize the property.

“Ask about their internet presence. Ninety-two percent of buyers go to the internet first when searching for a home,” Heim said.

Dickinson said to evaluate agent performance by looking at their list-to-sell ratio and length of marketing.

“Backing by a non-competing broker allows for better supported agents and ultimately a better client experience,” Dickinson added.

“Understanding the whole picture is critical to balancing a buyer or seller’s wants and needs with the market conditions and offerings,” Dickinson said.

Heim said the ultimate question is: “Are they going to work for the client and how hard are they going to work to sell the home?”

To begin your search for a real estate agent in your area, click here.