GEORGIA REAL ESTATE AGENTS

How to Select a REALTOR® in Georgia

Whether you are looking for an Atlanta real estate agent, or any Georgia real estate agent, you need to know how to select the best one, and also, what the difference is between a Georgia REALTOR® and a Georgia real estate agent.

The process of selecting a Georgia real estate agent is similar in many ways to the process of selecting other professional assistance.  The same questions, concerns and strategies you employ when looking for a doctor, dentist, lawyer or accountant can and should be employed when you consider choosing your Georgia real estate agent. After all, he or she will be your consultant and counselor on some of the biggest decisions you will ever make.

Buying or selling your Georgia real estate is a very important process that regards your finances and the well being of your family. Since the decisions you will make while dealing with Atlanta real estate are so monumental, it might be worthwhile to interview a couple of the real estate agents before you make a final decision.  At the very least, you should have a list of criterion with which to evaluate any Georgia real estate agent you’re considering.

What to Look for when Choosing a Georgia Real Estate Agent…

1. Georgia real estate agent and Georgia “REALTOR®” is not necessarily the same thing.
Georgia REALTORS® can provide an extra level of service, and to be a Georgia REALTOR®, a Georgia real estate agent must be a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). NAR members adhere to a strict code of ethics founded on the principle of providing fair and honest service to all consumers. Georgia real estate agents who are not REALTORS® work solely under state/provincial licensing regulations. RE/MAX of Georgia real estate agents are required to be REALTORS® as a condition of membership in the RE/MAX organization. Since RE/MAX of Georgia real estate agents are also REALTORS®, you can be sure they will provide you with fair and honest service.

2. Check on experience, education and productivity of the Georgia real estate agent.
As with most professions, experience pays in real estate. When searching, you should look for the amount of experience the Georgia real estate agent has. RE/MAX of Georgia real estate agents average 12 years of experience, far exceeding the industry average. RE/MAX of Georgia has REALTORS® throughout who have the knowledge and experience in real estate that is necessary in helping you find your dream home. 

3. Designations matter.
Real estate designations such as the Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) and Leadership Training Graduate (LTG) suggest an expertise and commitment that goes beyond just earning and maintaining a real estate license.  As a percentage of membership, RE/MAX agents hold more REALTOR® professional designations compared to any other national or international company.

4. Market knowledge and presence is important.
Make sure the Georgia real estate agent not only knows the market but has a strong presence there. RE/MAX of Georgia REALTORS® have a strong presence through the state – from real estate in Savannah real estate to Atlanta real estate. One of the best indicators is whether you’ve seen the agent’s yard signs around the neighborhood.  RE/MAX leads most local real estate markets in virtually every category and RE/MAX leads nationally in production with more than one million transactions annually. RE/MAX of Georgia real estate agents have market knowledge and presence.

5. National networks mean a lot in relocations.
Selecting a Georgia real estate agent that is part of a national network can be especially important if you’re selling in one city in preparation of moving to another city. Your selling real estate agent can refer you to a professional, compatible agent in your destination city. RE/MAX of Georgia real estate agents belong to the real estate network with the most market presence and market share.