If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, finding a real estate agent isn’t going to be hard. There are millions of licensed real estate agents in the United States.

Does My Real Estate Agent Have To Be Licensed?

Licensed real estates agents have to follow state and Federal real estate and housing laws. All states required real estate agents to be licensed. Further, many real estate agents belong to at least one professional association that requires a commitment to ethical behaviour in the execution of their duties.

Where To Start Your Search

Most real estate websites offer a way to locate a real estate agent in your area. Realtor.com has an agent search page that you can customise to search in your target area. So if you’re relocating, you can search in the area you’re heading to and if you’re selling, you might want to search for a local agent who really knows your area.

Check Those Credentials

The reputation or performance of a particular agent might be a little harder to discover. Information posted online should be viewed with suspicion since there’s no guarantee of the accuracy of that information, favourable or not. In other words, just because it’s on The Internet doesn’t mean it’s true.

Instead, talk to neighbours and friends in your area to see what they know and who they might recommend, and why. Consult with your attorney or accountant, if you have either, as real estate transactions are within, or not far from, their daily work orbits.

You can also check your state’s database of licensed real estate agents. In New York, a public license search page is available.  California’s Department of Consumer Affairs offers a search page, too. You can find your state’s licensing search site by using Google (or Bing or Yahoo) to search “check valid real estate license” and your state name.

Most states also publish information about disciplinary actions taken against licensees. As an example, California publishes a page that allows searches regarding actions taken against licencees.

Just The First Step

While a professional real estate agent assistance is important to the process of buying or selling a home, the picture isn’t complete without the involvement of a seasoned and experienced real estate attorney. Even if your state doesn’t require an attorney for real estate transactions, not using one is foolish. An attorney can make sure your interests are protected.

Other professionals, including surveyors, title guarantors, appraisers and inspection professionals will be part of the mix in the completion of a successful real estate purchase or sale. While a real estate agent can recommend resources for these services, again, do your own research. You’ll be glad you did.