Professionalism key trait of good real estate agent

by Christine Ballew-Gonzales

SBJ Contributing Writer

Assessing a real estate agent's work involves evaluating his or her commitment to professionalism and courtesy, according to Springfield Realtors.

Clues to whether an individual has found a reputable Realtor begin with asking around, according to Drew Lewis of Carol Jones Realtors.

Lewis said asking other home buyers how their Realtor treated them is a valuable first step in finding an agent that can get the job done for you. But once a Realtor is found, additional questions should be asked.

"You first have to look at his or her basic philosophy are they full-time, or do they just do it on the side," he said. While there are good part-time agents, Lewis recommends that people look for full-time Realtors.

One simple but important indicator of a real estate agent's performance level lies in responding to a home buyer or seller in an efficient manner.

"You've got to be prompt in responding to a phone call," Lewis said. That might seem to be a small issue unto itself, but failing to return calls and e-mails could signal a tendency toward ball-dropping later on.

"If they're going to be flighty with that, they might be flighty on other very important details as well," he said.

Product knowledge, in the form of knowing about the homes on the market at the time, is vitally important in real estate, Lewis said.

"An agent should have good product knowledge," he said. "If you ask questions and they frequently must get back to you with answers, they might not have the experience necessary to do the job."

Ethel Curbow of Coldwell Banker said market knowledge is another important quality to consider when evaluating a real estate agent.

"Market knowledge is very important," she said. "So is being responsive to the customer's needs."

Curbow said ongoing communication with both sellers and buyers is a must. "If they just put the sign in the yard and you don't hear from them for weeks, that's not a good sign," she said.

Following through is crucial, both on the selling and buying end of real estate, Curbow said.

"I would look for someone who is sincere and honest, and does what they say they're going to do," she said.

According to Don Caudle, of RE/MAX House of Brokers, those who are planning to sell their homes should take the time to interview three agents.

"Each one should be able to produce a plan for that property and should put it in writing," he said. "Then you can evaluate what they're willing to do to market your property."

Chemistry between an agent and a home buyer or seller is important, Caudle said, because of the serious nature of this transaction.

"There has to be a level of trust, because it really is a team effort," he said.

A direct approach is best when an agent deals with home buyers or sellers, Caudle said.

"I think you need to let people know where they stand in the marketplace," he said.

Lack of response from the agent, in the form of feedback and results of showings, are signs that the agent might not be getting the job done, he said.

Buying or selling a home is a stressful, emotionally charged experience, and a good agent is sensitive to the raw nerves of all parties prior to the closing date, according to Lewis.

"I try to be aware of what they're feeling, and I try to put myself in their shoes," Lewis said. "Sometimes agents forget what it's like going through the process."

Identifying and solving problems prior to closing can make all the difference in how the parties feel after their buying or selling experience, according to Caudle.

Lewis said evaluating an agent also involves assessing the people they choose to surround themselves with from support staff to financiers to those who do the title work.

A quality agent chooses like people to work with, he said.

"It all comes back to reputation and experience," Lewis said.