What are the top qualities to look for when choosing a Realtor?

A: A Realtor comes in many different shapes and sizes. There are the serious, the friendly, the hustler, the “mom,” the “car salesman,” the “old school,” the Millennial, and so many more. There seems to be a match for just about anybody who is looking to buy or sell a home. This is one of the main reasons Realtors are interviewed.

During the interview process, you are looking for a real estate agent who not only is a good fit but someone who knows how to get the job done. When planning to buy or sell a home, the first top quality to look for is a great reputation and knowledge of your neighborhood real estate market.

You want to be sure the agent knows the neighborhood dynamics and how much the homes are currently selling for. If you are planning on just selling a home, you’ll want to see and hear their marketing plan. Do they have a presence on social media to promote your home? Will there be a clean-up crew and stagers? How about after the house sells? Do they have some suggestions for you about renting back from the new buyers so you can take your time moving?

Finally, what does their schedule of events look like? For example, who comes first, the painting crew or the floor crew? When does the photographer come, when are the open houses, and when is the house supposed to sell?

Karin Cunningham, Intero Real Estate, 650-438-3504, kcunningham@intero.com.

A: There are several important questions that can be asked to evaluate whether or not a particular real estate agent is the right one for you. Although the business part of the relationship may be short-lived, it is focused and often intense.

Does the candidate listen well and really hear what it is that you are saying or asking? Clear communication is crucial during every phase of the transaction.

Is the Realtor readily available? Be sure to inquire about the response time you can expect from the agent, and ensure that your preferred mode of communication works for them as well.

Is the agent is knowledgeable about, and do they have sales experience in, the specific geographical areas that you are interested in and your price range?

Last but not least, do you like the agent? Do they seem genuinely caring and committed? Is your well-being more important to them than their commission? Can you respect their experience level and take their counsel when offered?

Karen Starr, the Grubb Co., 510-414-6000, starr@grubbco.com; Brenda Schaefer, the Grubb Co., 510-453-2401, bschaefer@grubbco.com.

A: To be a Realtor means belonging to the National Association of Realtors and agreeing to abide by a strict and clear-cut code of ethics. You can have a real estate license and not be a Realtor.

Some of the other qualities are honesty, good organizational skills and a sense of humor. Being able to think quickly and have solutions to the problems that pop up in transactions are also essential to being successful.

Having been in this business over 40 years, I can honestly say that every day is a new adventure. If an agent thinks they have seen it all and they know everything, I would think twice about anyone making that statement.

Being able to empathize with buyers and sellers really helps in understanding the client’s needs. Buying and selling real estate can be highly stressful and each person and transaction is unique unto itself.

Respect and truly caring about your clients is essential. The most important quality is living by the “Golden Rule” and treating everyone the way that you want to be treated in return.

Jeannie Anderson, Compass,

415-271-4887, jeannie.anderson@compass.com.