Today I went began a two day Lorna Hines seminar on Negotiations.  Never underestimate a powerful negotiator.  And what is more important to you than the best price possible either buying or selling.  During class one of the regulars, Anina, spoke about her experiences recently in selling her own home.  Dianna is a saint to of taken on that project and represented Anina. 

What I got out of the story was something that I knew from personal experience – a great realtor is in desperate need of a great realtor when they go to sell their own home.  I tried and it was a nightmare. 

We are the worst sellers because we know all that can go wrong and the better we are the more times it has happened to us.  We are not objective and the process – when you are going through it – is daunting.  I can’t believe we do this to wonderful people every day.   If we who have the license to sell a home and who are experienced and great negotiators need a great realtor, how important is if for the consumer?

I’d gladly pay whatever rate they require to get the best because they are worth every penny.  As I said before if Location Location Location are the three most important attributes in real estate than interview, interview, interview are the three most important activities you can do to find a great realtor. 

Interview agents at Open House, talk to people you trust and ask them, call the local brokerage and talk to the manager.  Tell him what your expectations are in an agent and ask him to refer one.  The more people you ask the better chance you have of the same name showing up more than one time.  I find that a positive sign – if the comments are universally positive, then they move up a notch, if the comments are universally negative, then I would be less then enthusiastic about contacting him, either way you know something important.

See what each has to say and judge for yourself.  For my money, I want someone who is a master at negotiations and understands how to get me more.