How to Find a Real Estate Agent You Can Trust

“How can I find a real estate agent I can trust?”

Yes, we get questions here at Sportsrelocation.com, and we try to answer many of those questions on our blog, because if one person is thinking about a topic, chances are many more are.

It’s an interesting and valid question.  Selling or buying real estate is one of the greatest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime.  It can literally cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars if not millions in the case of luxury real estate.  So it is no wonder many buyers and sellers are asking that question, or asking a related question:  “Do I even need a real estate agent?”

The 2014 National Association of REALTORS recently published a “Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers,” and in that profile we learned that a full 88% of buyers and sellers used an agent during their transaction, and that number has increased steadily since 2001 when the figure was 69%.

Of those who used a real estate agent, 40% chose someone who was referred to them by a friend, neighbor or business associate; 12% used someone they had already worked with; the rest of the reasons were quite varied.

So, is that how you find a trustworthy agent, from referrals?  It is certainly a viable and somewhat trustworthy method.  If you trust your referral, then chances are their positive experience with an agent will translate into a positive experience for you.  However, we still want to mention a couple other important issues.

You should always go with an agent who is experienced in the type of real estate you are buying or selling.  In this situation, experience does matter.  Also, you need to work with an agent who is familiar with the market you are looking at.  In other words, if you are going to relocate to New York or Miami, a local real estate agent in Des Moines is not the route to go.  Work with a professional who can do you the most good.  You have to much to lose to do otherwise.

Sports Relocation, Inc. Sports Relocation, Inc assist players/coaches of all professional sports leagues including the NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and entertainers relocate nationwide by servicing their Real Estate & Relocation needs. Ikem Chukumerije is licensed to practice real estate in New York, California, Nevada, Florida, & Georgia. Sports Relocation, Inc operates nationwide and provides elite athlete relocation services in all 50 states and internationally.