The reliability factor

If you're about to select a real estate agent, be prepared to ask questions.
You'll even need to ask yourself a long list of questions to make sure you understand your own needs and goals.
That's the most common advice from people in the know for would-be homebuyers and sellers looking for a reliable real estate agent.
"The first thing you do is homework about yourself," said Tanesha Van Leuven, HomeSight marketing manager. HomeSight is a Seattle-based, not-for-profit home buyer's assistance and education organization.
She suggested that families start by finding a reputable lender to give them loan pre-approval. Pre-approval helps buyers determine how large and what type of a mortgage loan they can expect to be approved for and at what interest rate. Most loan pre-approvals have a fixed period of time.
Next, Van Leuven advised deciding how much you want to pay, when you want to buy and what type of home you want in what kind of neighborhood.
"Write it all down," she said. "Drive through the neighborhoods you think you like at different times of day. Do the commute."
For sellers, Tom Jacobi of the HomeSight Revolving Loan Fund recommends deciding when the house needs to be sold and also checking around the neighborhood for what similar homes have sold for recently.
Once that initial homework is complete, the HomeSight professionals and Erin May, public relations manager for the Better Business Bureau Serving Oregon and Western Washington, agreed that it's important to develop a list of at least three potential agents to interview. They strongly advised beginning by seeking referrals from friends, family, neighbors and co-workers.
Darryl Bradshaw, owner and instructor of the Lynnwood-based Mykut Real Estate/Appraisers School of Washington, agreed.
"If I want to find a doctor, I check around to find out who's the best in that area," Bradshaw said. "I never, never just go ahead and make an appointment. I want character references first."
He said that the most successful real estate agents have earned their reputations by consistently treating clients with respect and integrity, and that a good way to spot a reliable brokerage firm is to note how many agents are waiting to join its ranks.
When friends, family and associates don't have good suggestions, HomeSight and many other home assistance agencies offer referrals.
Additionally, buyers and sellers can check customer service records of some 686 real estate agents and companies in Western Washington at the BBB's database. There is no charge.
When all else fails, real estate classified ads, the Yellow Pages, open houses and for-sale lawn signs are places to start finding agent and brokerage company names. But the experts advise caution in using that approach.
"Anyone can put an ad in the Yellow Pages, and you don know just by looking who's legitimate," May said. "For example, something like 10 percent of contractors listed in the Yellow Pages are operating illegally. So compile a long list and weed it out. Check licenses and check our reliability reports."
In Washington, the department of licensing keeps track of real estate agents' and brokers' licenses. To earn a real estate sales license, an agent must complete 60 hours of classroom education by a certified school, such as Mykut, and pass two tests about real estate practice and law. To remain licensed, an agent must take 30 hours of continuing education and apply for renewal every other birthday.
Agents are forbidden by law from operating independently and must work under the supervision of a state licensed real estate broker in order to receive commissions. Additionally, agents can't charge a buyer fees: They are paid commission out of the sales price.
Bradshaw, who has taught would-be real estate agents for 22 years, said continuing education matters. Many agents historically learned a sales method called trial closing, he said, in which they were taught to respond to buyer questions by asking if a particular deal would mean the difference between buying a house and not.
Now, Bradshaw counsels students that the most important traits of a successful real estate agent are strong teaching and listening skills.
"You're looking for someone who is a good teacher and listener, and who is honest and knowledgeable, and who holds you in total respect," Bradshaw said. "A modern salesperson doesn't play games. You ask them a question and they just answer it."
Van Leuven and Jacobi advised looking for specific experience buying or selling the particular type of home in question and in a similar location and price range.
For sellers, Jacobi additionally recommended asking potential agents how they would market the home and what they would expect the home to sell for.
"Don't be tempted to choose the Realtor who gives you the highest sales price estimate for your home," Jacobi warned. "An agent might misrepresent this ... and later ask you to lower the price."
He advised sellers who disagree with what all of their interviewees suggest for a list price to consider getting a professional appraisal, which he said typically costs $300-$450.
Once the choice has been made, considerate consumers inform their interviewees. As for the agent of choice, it's important to be clear about your expectations and offer feedback.
"A lot of people might have the impression that real estate agents are hard to trust," Van Leuven said. "This is a business deal, and the agent's best chance of making money is by honestly helping you get what you need. So be forward, be assertive, be clear and share your information."

Kristin Fetters-Walp is a Lake Stevens freelance writer.