How important is my agent/broker and how do I go about choosing one?

Given the high dollar stakes involved in buying and selling residential real estate, your choice of representation can add substantially to your bottom line or unknowingly cost you dearly in the long run. Selecting a competent Real Estate Broker is no different from selecting other professional services e.g. legal, medical, stock brokerage, estate planning or tax services. But given the financial importance of selling or buying a home, hiring the best is not always an easy process. First, how do you find a professional broker who is above all, knowledgeable, trustworthy and a strong negotiator and second, how do you go about evaluating them to ensure you are getting the best? Online searches and word of mouth from friends, family and co-workers is a great place to start, and once you locate a broker to interview, asking the right questions is critical. For a list of questions to ask, check out my article entitled “A job interview followed by a crucial financial decision.”