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In spite of the stereotypical agent-bashing stories you've heard, most Real Estate Agents are professionals who take their business seriously: Most of them are not chomping at your heels intent only on devouring your pockets.

There are, however, differences between the level of service they offer and their designation of expertise. So use a common sense approach when selecting a Real Estate Agent and ask some simple questions.

Here are five things to ask before hiring a real estate agent.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN LICENSED?
Don't let the words "I'm a new agent" scare you away. Sometimes a new Agent can be even better than an experienced one because he's hungry to build his business. He may not have as many clients and will devote more time to you. Ask to meet his Broker, then share any concerns you may have about the agent's lack of experience. If the Broker and the Agent are both accessible to you as a team, don't rule him out just because he's new. Most of the time, when you hire a new agent you get "two-for-the-price-of-one" because the Broker will be actively involved.

HOW WILL YOU MARKET MY PROPERTY?
Ask to see a comprehensive marketing plan, one that includes MLS listings, web and print publication, and in-house (Realtor to Realtor) marketing. Regardless whether you are selling or buying, you want to see comparatives. If you're selling, ask how much money will he spend to advertise your home? Make sure the marketing plan is outlined in the listing agreement.

ARE YOU A FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME AGENT?
Part-time agents are just that. Part-time. How will he set appointments? Do inquiries have to go to a message system then be filtered to you? Will he easily adapt to your schedule? Will he be available when you are?

WILL YOU CUT YOUR FEE?
Try to negotiate his fee. This will give you a first-hand look at how he will negotiate for you. When he tells you his fee, ask if he'll reduce it. If he immediately says "yes" get up and run. You don't want him. If he's that easy about bargaining for the best dollar for himself, why would you expect him to drive a hard bargain for you? You don't want someone who doesn't believe he's worth his fee. If he won't negotiate tough for himself, he won't negotiate tough for you.

WHAT ARE YOUR SPECIALTIES?
Some Agents specialize in listing properties, some in buyer representation. Professional designations after their name mean they have accumulated additional specific training and experience. GRI = Graduate of Real Estate Institute; ABR = Accredited Buyer Representative; CRS = Certified Real Estate Specialist. If you're selling your home, you might want a CRS. If you're buying, you'll want ABR.

Ask if the agent is a member of NAR (National Association of Realtors). Realtor are bound by a canon of ethics and have more specialized training than agents.

Above all, take your time and interview several agents. Visit www.realtor.org, official website of the National Association of Realtors. You'll find a wealth of information there.

Learn more about this author, Meggie Hardy.
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