When you're looking to buy or sell a home, there's nothing more comforting than having an experienced real estate agent by your side. But how do you know if they're the right fit? Here are some tips to help you pick out the best real estate agent for your needs.

1. Make sure they are licensed in your state.

Whether you’re buying a new house or selling your current residence, it can be hard to know if your realtor is doing their job well. One of the most important aspects of choosing a good realtor is verifying that they are licensed in your state. Just because someone claims to be an expert doesn't mean that they actually are—especially with today's online resources available at everyone's fingertips!

If you're still unsure about whether or not a potential agent has the necessary credentials, simply check out the National Association of Realtors' website (NAR). There, you'll find helpful information on how to verify whether or not an individual is licensed in any given state by searching through their database based on name and/or license number. You can also look at your state's licensing website.

2. Look for someone who has a good reputation.

A great realtor should be able to tell you stories about the properties they've sold and the clients they've helped. They should also be eager to show you their portfolio of past work. When choosing a realtor, ask for references from previous clients, testimonials from past sellers and buyers, or a list of satisfied customers who would be willing to speak with you directly.

3. They should have solid negotiation skills.

You should be able to tell if your realtor has strong negotiation skills by the way they work with you. Negotiation is an important part of any transaction, but it can be especially tricky when you're dealing with multiple parties who don't agree always agree on terms. Your realtor should be able to negotiate with both the seller's agent and your own agent to make sure that everyone gets what they want out of the deal without losing money in the process.

4. They should be a good communicator.

There are a few ways you can communicate with your Realtor. Primarily by email, text message, and phone conversations. You should feel comfortable with any of these forms of communication. Ideally, the agent you choose will be available for questions at all hours of the day or night so that you don't have to wait until 9am on Monday morning before they return your call.

An excellent realtor will also make sure that they are communicating clearly and professionally with their clients--and this includes being clear about what type of home listing is being shown as well as providing timely updates in regards to new listings coming up for sale.

5. They should know the local real estate market extremely well.

The best realtors should know their local real estate market extremely well. They should be able to tell you if a neighborhood is growing or declining, why that might be the case, and what it means for you as a buyer or seller. 

The best realtors also know the local zoning laws in detail; this will help them guide you through any potential red tape when making major home improvements and renovations.

Realtors who are familiar with building codes and tax laws can also advise potential buyers on how to obtain permits for construction projects on their homes.

As part of this thorough understanding of the local market, great agents should also familiarize themselves with school district boundaries so that they can advise clients about where their children would attend school if they were moving into an area nearby.

A great realtor can help you find a home that fits your needs or sell your current home to a buyer who has the motivation to make it happen. With a little bit of research, you will be able to find the perfect realtor for your needs. It’s important to ask questions and make sure they have the experience to guide you through the process.

If you are looking for a local expert, our qualified agents are happy to help! We have experience with buyers and sellers all over the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin!