Tips for vetting real estate agents/realtors

[Ramon Garo]

Hi Everyone. My wife and I are starting to look for a SFH in the South Miami FL region to use as my own primary residence. Right now leaning towards renting for a year or two, while we get more familiar with the area and figure out if we want to have another kid.

Despite that, We'd be willing to buy, especially if the location is close to our family and if the home has an efficiency we could rent out. To that end I'd like to start up a relationship with a good real estate agent/realtor in the area that would be useful for when we begin real estate investment in earnest.

Can you point me towards resources, or give tips, on vetting realtors for residential renting/purchasing, as well as for real estate investing?

[Anthony Angotti]

@Ramon Garo

1. Judge them based on number of deals done, not just years of experience. 
2. Ask them for references from people who have done deals with them this year. 
3. Look online for their reviews. 
4. Ask if they invest themselves. 
5. Make sure that they are a fit for your level of experience. If you are brand new you'll need more hand holding. If you are experienced you might be a good fit for a newer agent that is more willing to grind than someone with a lot of experience. 
6. If they have a team ask what role they will play in the process. 
7. What their Purchase Price to List Price ratio is. With the way that the market is in most areas is will probably be closer to 100% than in slower market points of the cycle. 
8. Ask them to explain why they are the best fit to help you. 
9. Ask what value they will provide in the form of recommendations that will help make you a successful investor. 
10. Then after all of that is done ask them what fees, contracts, etc. you will be responsible for.