Looking for a Real Estate Agent? These 4 Steps Make it Easy

Looking for real estate but not sure where to start? Now is a great time to begin your ; with the growing economy, rising population, affordable prices, and an increased demand for housing, the housing industry is predicted to continue on an upward trajectory for the entirety of 2015. Whether buying or selling, finding a good real estate agent is an essential part of the process.
There are no shortages of real estate agents out there. Within the U.S., the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials estimate that there are roughly 2 million individuals with active real estate licenses. Yet such a breadth of options can seem daunting to potential home buyers and sellers, as each realtor can offer a particular set of services for their clients.
Luckily, these 4 tips make the process of choosing a real estate agent a snap:

1. Do your homework. What exactly are you looking for in your real estate endeavor? Are you seeking rental homes or a place of personal residence? What’s your price range? How many rooms and what kinds of amenities would you like? Adequately choosing a real estate agent means knowing exactly what you want. This will make your search easier, allowing your to immediately narrow down your choice of agents.
2. Consult past clients. A good real estate agent should have a strong backing of testimonials and client success stories. When choosing a real estate agent, it’s important to do your research, and the internet is a great place to start. Websites like Zillow and RankMyAgent provide countless reviews for realtors. Like any good restaurant or service, you can learn a loot about a real estate agent by what their past clients have to say.
3. Pay attention to credentials. Real estate agents often specialize in particular concentrations. These specialists will take training courses to become certified in specific areas, such as senior real estate and residential real estate. If you’re thinking about investing in rental property, for example, you don’t want a realtor that doesn’t have the experience or training to adequately assist you. Finding a realtor with special qualification that meet your needs can be beneficial to your search in the long run.
4. Active sales matter. When researching potential realtors, it’s important to check how long they have been in business, and how frequent their sales are. For example, if a realtor has been in business for 10 years but hasn’t been active in 5, that may be a red flag. The more active the agent is, the more likely they’ll be able to adequately meet your needs.

How did you go about choosing a real estate agent in the past? Tell us in the comments below.