What should I look for in a realtor? We're moving in the Denver metro area.

Don't make the process that difficult. Try to get a referral from a friend or employer first. Most Realtors work the entire Metro Area and with today's tecknology any agent with experience can assist you. The most important thing you can do is once you meet a prespective agent make sure you are on the same page with them before you sign any agreements, it doesn't matter how long they have been in the business or how many designations they may have. I have numerous designations, have trained 100s of agents and have over 25 years of experience in the business, but none of that really matters. The most important thing for any agent to understand is that this is all about you having a great experience. If I can be of assistance I would welcome the opportunity, I consider all of my clients a prevledge to work with.

From NAR. The National Association of Realtors..... 2/3 of the agents in the nation have less than 5 years Experience. That shows the high turn over rate! SO... pic one that has more that 5 years.... Like me!

Heidi has a lot of great points to consider. I'd also advise finding a real estate broker who is professional, someone you can trust and someone both you and your husband are comfortable working with. Sometimes the process is long and sometimes it is quick, so look for an agent who is patient. Look for an agent you would want to use again and refer others to. You don't have to know what area you want to live in to start, just an agent with a large network of other agents they would refer you to if they are not the best one to help you in the area you eventually settle on. Checking out their websites can sometimes give you a better picture of them.

BroncoFan, you are absolutely correct. It is a very confusing business which is why I like my own clients to have a very strong understanding of the process and the contract. I know I've done well and that they've listened when they come back to me the next time around and they understand things.

To answer your question, if you have a general idea of what area (not necessarily neighborhood, but area) you'd like to be in, then you can start by looking for a REALTOR® within that area. Again, you'll want to interview a few, asking questions like the ones I referenced above.

However, sometimes Buyers may not know where they want to be and that's natural for someone moving into the area from another city or state. In that case, a good REALTOR® can help you narrow your search areas based upon what you, the Buyer, is looking for.

In either scenario, a good REALTOR® should ask you a lot of questions to determine areas that might be a good match for you. The questions should go beyond things like how many bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. that you'd like. For instance, if commute time is important to you, that will eliminate certain areas. If you want to be within a certain area due to schools, that will may also dictate the areas in which you want to be. If you're into certain types of exercise, that may also be something to consider. If you want to be close to the light rail or be close enough to walk to places, that will factor in. Price range will also dictate neighborhoods that will or will not work for you.

Our real estate license allows us to sell anywhere in Colorado, but that doesn't mean we should. Having a mentor in areas outside our own areas of expertise is important. In summary, you can start by looking for a REALTOR® in a particular area if you know where you want to be, but if you don't, that's o.k. Just be sure to interview and ask for references. In talking with each REALTOR® and with their references, you will begin to see which will provide you with the service you deserve.

Look for a REALTOR® versus a real estate agent. A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of Realors and abides by a strict code of Ethics. Those with designations such as the ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative), the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) or the GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute ) have demonstrated that they care about furthering their education in order to help their clients/customers. The real estate market is always changing so look for those who continue their education by taking classes and getting designations.

Next, you'll want to find a REALTOR® who has knowledge about the market and experience within the market. Ask questions to determine how many years they've been in the real estate business, if they are a full-time or part-time REALTOR® , and if they focus primarily on Buyers, on Sellers, or both.

Ensure that the REALTOR® is well-informed about the area in which you want to buy. For instance, an agent in Breckenridge is probably not familiar enough with homes and areas in Denver to provide you with the knowledge you need. Further, a REALTOR® who doesn't have knowledge of a well or septic system is probably not the best one for you if you're buying a property in the foothills or in a more rural area. If the REALTOR® doesn't have a lot of experience in a particular area, does he/she have a mentor that can help?

Ask for a list of references and call these references. Ask the references how long it took, on average, to get a response to phone calls and to e-mails and if they felt the REALTOR® was thorough, informed, and experienced and if he/she listened to their wants and needs. Ask if they felt the REALTOR® had a good understanding of the real estate contracts and if they stuck to deadlines. Did the REALTOR® have a network of providers for outside services such as home inspectors, surveyors, attorneys, lenders, contractors, etc.? Did the REALTOR® explain things such as the importance of getting a survey or an Improvement Location Certificate, of researching zoning, researching what types of changes might be happening within that area, and investigating other aspects of the property, home or area prior to the end of your inspection period?

Interview multiple agents to find one that not only has the credentials mentioned above, but who also explains the buying or selling process. You should be aware of the steps involved in buying or selling a home and what it will take to achieve those steps. Contractual deadlines should be explained and there should be guidance on what you can or need to do to meet your deadlines. You will want someone who is detail-oriented who will take the time to explain the various aspects of your purchase or sale.

Finally, go with one who you trust. Working with a REALTOR®, whether buying or selling a home, is very similar to having a business partnership so find someone that you feel you will be able to work well with in that partnership.