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Posted on 16 Oct 2008

You don't have to use an agent to buy or sell your house, but it sure makes things a whole lot easier. If you're a buyer, hiring an agent is a no brainer because you don't have to pay for the fees - the seller does. And sellers can greatly profit from the aid of an agent because of all the experience and knowledge that he brings to the table. The fees are simply taken off of the profit from the home sale.

So getting help from a broker is a very clever idea, but how do you will find a good one? Here are a few pointers to get you started in the right direction:

- Determine What You Mean by "Good Agent"
Before you go out actively looking for an agent, you have to determine what your preferences are and what you expect a good broker to be like. Perhaps your first concern is getting your house sold as quickly as possible. In that case you may not worry so much about personality clashes, you may simply be looking for someone with an excellent track record of selling homes fast!

Perhaps, you're more concerned with getting the highest price for your home, or maybe you want someone who is really listens and pays attention to your needs and desires when it comes to finding your next house. Be sure you know what you want from an professional before you start your search.

- Ask Friends for Referrals
Although preferences do vary, there are plenty of common factors that make certain professionals a good fit for most people. If you've friends that strongly recommend a certain broker, it's likely for a good reason - they were satisfied with the agent's performance and style. Ask your friends, family, co-workers, and even acquaintances for referrals of good brokers. they'll be great resources in pointing you to someone who can get the job done and do it well.

- Shop at Open Houses
Real estate agents are usually the ones hosting open homes for homes on the market. If you visit more then one of these in your area, you'll get a chance to meet many different brokers and get a feel for their style. You can take a sneak peek at the way they conduct themselves as a seller's agent and their manner of communication. This way you can find someone who is proactive but not pushy, and knowledgeable but not overbearing.

- Take a Look at Online Listings
The Internet can provide you with plenty of pages about brokers in your area. You can visit individual profiles of many different professionals and see how they describe themselves and what kind of business they operate.

You do have to be careful though when selecting a broker from Internet search engines. Just because their names come up at the top of your search doesn't mean they're the best, most qualified agent to take your sale.

In the end, you should meet with more then one brokers before making your decision. There is nothing like a personal interaction to get a feel for the kind of relationship you would have as a seller/buyer and agent.

Whether you're new to dealing in Louisiana real estate, or just need some help in selling or buying a home, an expert real estate agent can give you the right advice and guidance needed. Visithttp://www.realestatelouisiana.com to learn more.