A Carrollton real estate agent should make the process of buying or selling a home as easy as possible. The housing market in Carrollton is hot right now and there's no better time than to begin your search now. But finding the right agent can be a challenge. It's not as easy as choosing the first one you find. Here are five tips for finding the best real estate agent. 

Choose an Agent With Credentials

This is a very important factor to consider that most people don't look into. If you want to make the right decision, then you need to look for real estate agents with credentials and licenses. Find out if the license is valid and ensure that the agent doesn't have any disciplinary actions against them.

The top agents in Carrollton have legitimate licenses and credentials. You should hire one with a valid license and is on the board of Realtors®. In addition, most real estate agents are designated in a certain area. The most common specializations real estate agents have to include:

ABR – Accredited Buyer's Representative
CRS – Certified Residential Specialist
SRES – Seniors Real Estate Specialist 

Talk to Previous Clients 

Talking to the real estate agent's previous clients can help you determine the level of service the agent provides. Only the best Realtors® in Carrollton have a long list of happy clients. Ask for a complete list of homes that the real estate agent sold within the past year including reviews from previous clients on third-party websites. When speaking with former clients, find out the asking price as well as the final sales price. Come up with a list of questions so you can get all of your questions answered. 

Read Online Reviews 

Online reviews should be taken lightly since it's hard to tell if they're legitimate. It's also important to brush up on your knowledge of the real estate and marketing lingo. Real estate agent profiles should include useful information such as average price range, certifications and awards, number of houses sold, and years of experience in the industry. 

Testimonials should also be included in your research. Read the feedback. Don't just base it on the number of stars. Was the real estate agent a good negotiator? Do they listen to their clients? It's important to find a real estate agent who encourages feedback rather than praise. 

Attend an Open House

Open houses are the perfect places for meeting prospective real estate agents. They're also helpful for screening agents if you want to list your home on the market. See how the agent interacts with their clients and other people who come to see the house. 

Are there any marketing materials available? Is the agent knowledgeable on the home's features? Are they a compassionate person who makes everyone feel welcome? These are all important qualities you should look for in a real estate agent.

Finding the best real estate agent involves finding someone you trust to help you make one of the biggest decision of your life. When you spend time and effort on the research process, you're more likely to get the results you're looking for. 

Interview Realtors® 

Come up with three real estate agents you're interested in. Research them online at US Census and Zillow. Conduct phone interviews with each of them. A phone interview is important because it allows you to know the experience, qualifications, and values of that real estate agent. Give them straight questions that require straight answers. If the agent is still talking in circles, then you should avoid them. 

Let Effective Agents help you find the best real estate agent. You can find the perfect agent who is a match for your budget and needs. Find more housing in Carrollton and other real estate news by registering on 214area, your free guide to the Dallas area.