Tips for Picking a Boutique Real Estate Broker

Finding a reliable real estate agent that can get you exactly what you want can be difficult to find. There are more real estate brokers out there that won’t listen to than there are that will, but it is possible to find those who will. Choosing a boutique real estate agent can be difficult because there isn’t the same type of information out there on them than there is on other service professionals. However, there are ways to pull back the curtains to accurately assess whether or not you’re spending your time with a reliable real estate agent.

5 Tips for Finding a Reliable Real Estate Broker

1. Look up their licensing

   Each state has a board that manages the licensed and disciplined real estate agent that function throughout their jurisdiction. You can easily check with your state’s regulatory department to find out whether or not a real estate agent is licensed or not.

2. Ask for their recent clients

   The best way to find out whether or not a boutique real estate agent is reliable and successful within the industry is by word of mouth. Ask for the contact of some of the people they’ve helped in the last year, whether they helped sell a home or find a home, feel free to ask for any clients they’ve pleased or disappointed. If they give you the contact of someone who wasn’t satisfied, the reason may not be because of the agent, but just a difficult client, either way, it’s worth finding out.

3. Choose an agent with credentials

   If you have a real estate agent who has all those additions at the end of their name, put them at the top of your list. Anyone who has taken the time and effort to take more classes and educate themselves further is going to be good at their craft. So, if you see a CRS [Certified Residential Specialist], SRES [Seniors Real Estate Specialist], or a ABR [Accredited Buyer’s Representative], you’ve found someone who took those few extra steps forward.

4. How long have they been in business?

   You want a real estate broker with experience, especially if you’re dealing with an expensive property. If they’ve only been in business for a few years, then they’re still in the learning process and it’s like your property is their homework, and you don’t want that.

5. Check their current listings

   This is one of the first things you want to do to narrow your search. There are several different types of real estate brokers out there; some specialize in luxury boutique homes, others in condos, and some in commercial property. Therefore, you want to choose someone who is experienced in dealing with what you’re looking for. This will ensure your best chances for receiving private funding for your property investments and IRA non-recourse loans.