Get referrals from neighbours, friends, and colleagues (including your lawyer or financial advisor).
If you're a seller, check For Sale signs in your neighbourhood for local agents who regularly and successfully sell in the area.
Interview at least three agents before you choose one. Be sure to ask the right questions:
Choose an Agent Look for an agent who:
Makes you feel comfortable and confident, not anxious or pressured.
Specializes in areas where you live (if you're a seller) or want to live (if you're a buyer).
Returns calls promptly and answers questions readily.
Informs you of new listings (if you're a buyer) or sales progress (if you're a seller) and suggests new strategies as the listing period progresses.
Work with an Agent
Set working guidelines (regular times to view houses or show your home, for example).
Make your priorities clear so neither of you wastes time on listings that don't fit your criteria (if you're a buyer) or on unqualified buyers (if you're a seller).
Keep all of your paperwork in one place, for easy retrieval when you need them. For buyers, that includes your priority list , listing notes and loan documents. For sellers, that includes your listing contract, loan documents, inspection reports, and disclosures.
