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Just log on to fightback.com or email info@fightback.com. Questions and answers of the greatest interest to Costco members will be used in this column (with the permission of the contributor) and will be posted on fightback.com. © 2015 AMANDA HOROWITZ MEDIA, LLC ALL RIGH TS RESERVED

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IF YOU ARE buying or selling a home, choosing the right agent will make all the difference. Here are tips for finding the right real estate agent.

Find someone reputable. You should speak with at least three agents before choosing one. The best way to find an agent is through a referral or by going to open houses in your area and meeting the listing agent.

Make sure to ask these key questions:

How long have you been in the business?

How many escrows did you close last year? What areas do you cover? Real estate is a local business. You should have someone who is an expert in your area. That said, just because an agent is successful in your area does not mean he or she is a match for you.

What type of properties have you bought or sold? What is the price range of these properties? Make sure the agent you choose is well versed in the type of property you are buying or selling.

How quickly will you respond to my communications and how will you respond? Real estate is a 24/7 business, and you want someone who is readily available.

Who will be my main point of contact if you are not available? If the real estate agent works with a team, you want to know this, because if you like a home, you will have to move fast.

(If you are a seller) How will my home be marketed and how will you get my home in front of target buyers? Have agents present examples of past ads and fliers for listings, and Finding the right real estate agent

CONSUMERconnection

ask if they market online as well as in print.

(If you are a seller) What is the plan for open houses? How many will you have, and will you personally be sitting at each one? If not, who will be there in your place?

If you feel that an agent is not giving you the information you need and does not seem to be confident with his or her own expertise, take your business elsewhere.

Getting along. Your interactions with an agent should feel good from day one. You want a relationship with an agent where you are upholding a mutual vision and you are heard and respected. Don’t work with someone you feel pressured or railroaded by.

Negotiation skills. An agent’s job is to close a sale, and that means you want an agent who is detail oriented and a skilled negotiator. Just because an agent has a CNE (Certified Negotiation Expert) designation does not necessarily mean the agent is an expert negotiator. Asking agents how many deals they closed last year might give you insight into how capable they are.

On the other hand, here’s a list of what to watch out for in your search:

• Agents who say they can get an exceptional price, above market value, for your home. They may overstate your house’s value to win your listing and try to persuade you to cut the asking price later on. This is called “buying a listing.”

• Agents who work in real estate part time. If you are a buyer, choose an agent who actively follows the market every day and can show you new listings or bid on them immediately. If you are a seller, get an agent who is always available to show your home to prospective buyers, not someone who considers real estate a second job.

• Agents who charge a lower commission. Commissions are traditionally 5 to 6 percent. The seller pays the commission, which is split between the buying and listing agents. It is not the norm for a buyer to pay a commission. Fewer agents would be inclined to show your house if the commission was lower. C

TORI HOROWITZ, David’s daughter and senior partner at real estate firm deasy/penner&partners, gives her tips on using real estate technology.

Online home valuations. Buyers may look at the valuation of their home online and have falsely inflated or low expectations about pricing. No online algorithm alone can determine accurate pricing of your home. It is imperative for a licensed real estate agent to give you a pricing opinion.

Online ads. Agents pay to place ads on real estate sites. Usually they are offered ad placement in the geographical areas in which they work most. Ads are sold according to ZIP code. However, any agent can buy an ad in any area. Do not choose an agent based solely on these ads. Research an agent further.

For sale by owner. You may think selling your home yourself (by owner) is a smart way to save a few bucks. But think twice about this, because these transactions are very complex.

Any number of bumps in the road can occur during (or before) escrow. Title issues, appraisals, physical concerns with a home, necessary repairs, loan issues and countless other unforeseen items could potentially blow a deal if they are not handled in a skillful way.

A licensed agent who works for a reputable brokerage will ensure your interests are protected before, during and after the sale of your home. Plus, real estate agents have access to marketing tips; premier ad placement; client lists; relationships with vendors, inspectors, escrow and title agents; and many more resources that could aid you in getting the right and best price for your house and ensure the process is a graceful one for all parties. C Real estate tech tips

David Horowitz is a leading consumer advocate. David’s daughter Amanda Horowitz is the CEO of Fight Back! and co-founder of FightBack.com. Email David and Amanda at info@fightback.com.