When buying or selling a home, choosing a reliable realtor is crucial to ensure that you are protected throughout the process. A legitimate realtor will guide you through legal requirements, pricing, negotiations, and more. In a market where scams exist, it’s essential to verify your realtor’s legitimacy to avoid costly mistakes. Below are 10 key steps to ensure that your realtor is trustworthy, with tips to navigate the real estate process smoothly.
1. Check for a Valid Real Estate License
One of the first steps in verifying a realtor’s legitimacy is ensuring they have an active real estate license. Realtors in the U.S. are required by law to be licensed to operate, and each state has its own regulatory board that oversees this process. Start by checking your realtor’s credentials through your state’s real estate commission or licensing board. This can typically be done online via state databases.
In addition, check if they are part of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The NAR provides additional certification that holds members to a higher standard of professionalism. Realtors who belong to the NAR adhere to a strict code of ethics, which adds another layer of legitimacy.
2. Look at Their Professional Credentials
While having a real estate license is mandatory, extra certifications and designations often signify expertise in specific areas of real estate. Common certifications include the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR). Realtors with these designations have undergone advanced training and demonstrated exceptional performance in their specialty.
A legitimate realtor will proudly display these credentials either on their website or in discussions with you. These titles are granted by reputable real estate associations, which provides added assurance of their skills.
3. Research Their Online Presence
A reputable realtor will have an established online presence, including a professional website, social media accounts, and active real estate listings on sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, or Trulia. Verify whether the listings they post are up-to-date and consistent across platforms.
This step can provide a clearer picture of the realtor’s track record. Additionally, look at whether the realtor has testimonials or references on their site. A lack of an online footprint or inconsistent information could raise red flags.
4. Read Reviews and Testimonials
Reviews from past clients can reveal critical insights into a realtor’s professionalism and reliability. Websites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and Zillow offer platforms for clients to rate their real estate experience. It’s important to evaluate both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded view.
However, be cautious of reviews that seem too good to be true or are overwhelmingly positive without any balance. Authentic reviews usually contain specific details about a client’s experience, highlighting both the strengths and areas of improvement.
5. Check Professional Affiliations
A legitimate realtor will often be affiliated with reputable real estate organizations, such as the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Local Real Estate Boards, or Real Estate Brokers Associations. These affiliations show that the realtor has undergone additional training and adheres to a code of ethics.
To know if a realtor is legit, confirm their membership in these organizations, which can typically be verified on the association’s official website. Membership ensures adherence to specific professional guidelines and provides an added layer of protection for buyers and sellers alike.
6. Ask for Referrals
Word of mouth is often one of the most reliable ways to find a legitimate realtor. Ask friends, family, or colleagues who have recently bought or sold a home for a referral. Realtors who have built a positive reputation through personal recommendations are more likely to be trustworthy and knowledgeable.
When you receive a referral, ask specific questions about their experience, such as how well the realtor communicated and if they were transparent throughout the process. First-hand testimonials can give you valuable insight into what you can expect when working with that realtor.
7. Meet the Realtor In-Person
Scheduling an in-person meeting or video call is crucial in gauging your realtor’s legitimacy. During this meeting, pay attention to how they communicate, answer your questions, and outline their approach to helping you buy or sell a property. A legitimate realtor will be professional, approachable, and knowledgeable.
Ask about their experience, how long they’ve been in the industry, and if they’ve dealt with properties similar to yours. This is also an opportunity to request client references or examples of recent transactions. If the realtor seems evasive or reluctant to provide such information, consider it a red flag.
8. Verify Their Track Record
Checking your realtor’s transaction history can provide insights into their experience and success rate. Realtors often highlight their recent sales or successful deals on their websites or social media. It’s essential to verify these claims by asking for specifics, such as the number of homes sold, average days on the market, and whether their listings were sold at, below, or above the asking price.
Additionally, ensure the realtor specializes in your type of property or location. For example, if you’re buying a suburban home, you’ll want a realtor experienced in that market. This information can be found through MLS listings or by asking the realtor directly for their history in your local market.
9. Get Everything in Writing
Legitimate realtors will be transparent about agreements, commissions, and contracts. Ensure all aspects of your relationship, including fees, terms of service, and expectations, are clearly outlined in writing. A legitimate realtor will have no issue providing detailed contracts and agreements, allowing you to review all terms before signing.
Getting everything in writing protects both parties and ensures clarity, reducing the chance of disputes later in the process. If a realtor hesitates to write agreements, this could be a major warning sign.
10. Watch for Red Flags
While many realtors are trustworthy, some red flags can indicate a realtor may not be legitimate. Some of these include:
- Pressure Tactics: A realtor pushing you to make quick decisions without giving you time to consider the options could be cause for concern.
- Lack of Communication: If a realtor is unresponsive, dismissive, or avoids direct answers to your questions, it may indicate a lack of professionalism.
- Reluctance to Provide Credentials: Any hesitation to offer proof of licensing, references, or certifications should raise suspicion.
By remaining vigilant and knowing the signs to look for, you can avoid potentially fraudulent or untrustworthy realtors and make your home-buying experience more seamless.
Bonus Tip: Ask the Right Questions
Knowing how to identify a legitimate realtor is just the start. You’ll also want to make sure you ask the right questions during the process. A useful resource is the “100 Questions to Ask Before Buying a House“ guide, which covers everything from market conditions to home inspections. This can be a handy tool when working with a realtor to ensure they’re providing you with the correct information and advice.
Conclusion
When you’re navigating the real estate market, working with a legitimate and experienced realtor is crucial to a smooth and successful home-buying or selling experience. By following these 10 steps—verifying licenses, checking reviews, and understanding red flags—you’ll be better equipped to choose a realtor who has your best interests at heart.
By being diligent and asking the right questions, you’ll feel confident that your realtor is not only legit but also the right fit for your real estate journey. Protect yourself and your investment by verifying their credentials and ensuring you have a trusted partner to guide you through one of the most significant decisions of your life.