How to Find a Legitimate Real Estate Agent

How to Check a Real Estate Agent’s Credibility

Most homeowners consult a licensed real estate agent when transacting real estate properties. Like most professionals, real estate agents work directly with clients and want to make that client close a deal. Most real estate agents out there would look out for your best interests.

However, there are instances where real estate agents don’t serve your best interests. They would either be incompetent, fraudulent, or have hidden interests.

Before hiring a real estate agent or a buyer’s agent to find your future house and lot and guide you throughout the purchasing process, you should do your best to find out if they are credible and competent in what they’re doing. 

How to Verify a Real Estate Agent

There are thousands in the Philippines, and looking for the right real estate agent can be challenging. If you need some tips on how to find a legitimate real estate agent, here are some ways to do so. 

Use your Network 

Client referrals is a good way to get hold of the best real estate agents

The real estate market can be complex and fast-paced, so having a credible and experienced real estate agent by your side is crucial. Client referrals are one of the good ways to determine this and to know if a real estate agent is credible or not.

It is a major green flag if a real estate agent is recommended to you by a relative or friend because it means they have done business with this agent and got their satisfaction. This also means that the agent has already established a connection with the people you love. 

If you don’t have a friend or relative who knows a reliable real estate agent, there is another way to know if the agent is credible. This method is by searching the agent’s previous clientele.

A reputable real estate agent surely has some people who can attest to their work as a broker. They might even ask you to meet their past clients. 

Ask for The Agent’s Real Estate License

In the Philippines, real estate agents and brokers must be licensed before legally selling properties. This protects homebuyers from unethical practices and ensures a professional standard of service.

The Real Estate Service Act (RA 9646) is the governing law and one of its key provisions mandates licensing through an examination process overseen by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). This license will not be issued to anyone found guilty of any crime or dishonorable misconduct.

To ensure you’re working with a licensed professional, you can verify their credentials through the PRC website. Here’s how:

1. Go to the PRC website and navigate to the VERIFICATION OF LICENSES section.
2. Select VERIFICATION LICENSE BY NAME.
3. Choose REAL ESTATE BROKER from the profession options.
4. Enter the agent or broker’s first and last name in the designated fields.

If the individual is a licensed agent or associate broker working under a licensed brokerage firm, their name will appear upon a successful search. You can also verify the validity of their PRC ID number on the same website.

While a license is the baseline requirement, many real estate professionals go beyond by pursuing additional certifications and specializations offered by national associations, which you can also ask for.

Here are some examples that demonstrate a commitment to professional development and catering to specific client needs:

Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR)

This designation signifies expertise in representing buyers in real estate transactions.

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

This certification showcases advanced residential real estate market knowledge and skills.

Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)

This specialization equips agents with the understanding and tools to cater to senior homebuyers and sellers’ unique needs.

You can also check if the real estate agent is a member of realtor organizations like CREBA and the National Association of Realtors.

By considering an agent or broker’s qualifications beyond just their license, you can ensure they possess the specific expertise and experience to guide you effectively in your real estate transaction.

Ask them Questions 

Real estate agents must have in-depth knowledge of the project they are selling

A good agent should be a walking encyclopedia about the properties they represent. They answer your questions confidently, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the project’s features, amenities, and surrounding area.

This eliminates their need to constantly refer to other team members, saving you time and frustration. They should also be well-researched about the property’s history and potential issues.

Real estate agents must have a strong network within the industry

While an agent doesn’t necessarily need to know a seller’s agent (listing agent) personally, a credible one will have a strong network within the industry. This allows them to access accurate information about the property and potentially facilitate smoother communication during negotiations.

A buyer’s agent must learn and prioritize your needs and preferences as you navigate the home buying process

A good real estate agent prioritizes understanding your needs and preferences. They ask insightful questions to determine your budget, desired location, property type, and any special requirements.

This ensures they present you with relevant options that align with your goals rather than bombarding you with generic listings. Beware of agents who prioritize pushing properties without first understanding your priorities.

A real estate agent should also be your trusted advisor

Your agent should be your trusted advisor, readily answering your questions clearly and concisely. They avoid technical jargon and explain everything in terms you can easily understand.

A credible agent prioritizes your satisfaction over a quick sale. They understand that in this competitive market, building trust leads to long-term client relationships and positive word-of-mouth recommendations to your colleagues looking for properties.

They’ll never pressure you into a rushed decision and will guide you through the process at your own pace. Remember, in most cases, the seller pays the commission, so a good agent is focused on finding the right fit for both buyer and seller.

While price is essential, a good agent will highlight the overall value proposition of a property. They’ll consider future potential, resale value, and long-term benefits to ensure you make a sound investment.

Watch the Options They Give You 

A credible real estate broker has connections. Their network of buyers, sellers, listing agents, and other real estate agents would give you many properties to choose from.

This also indicates that a broker can be trusted because their connection did not end after the sale. The same thing goes with you. Once you and the broker close a sale, you can still contact them for help. 

However, there is also a difference between a credible and an incredible broker. A credible real estate agent would give you options through numerous connections.

On the other hand, an incredible broker would not just give you options; they will also try their best to negotiate a better price and flexible payment terms. Brokers who don’t know what they’re doing won’t even bother giving you multiple options. 

Consider What They’re Discussing

Consider their Discussion

A credible real estate agent won’t just tell you a property’s positive qualities, as everything has pros and cons. A real estate agent who tells you the downsides of a property can help you make the right decisions.

Only two types of brokers tell things about the property that are too good to be true. The first is the broker who lies, and the second is the one who is so incompetent that they don’t even know. 

However, this does not mean you should find a broker that discusses a property’s cons without asking. You should understand that brokers are there to sell you a house and lot.

They use marketing strategies in their job, and the unsolicited mention of a property’s faults is not one of them. You should just remember to ask them about the cons of a property when looking for a house. 

How to Check Real Estate Credibility 

Real Estate Investing through a Sales Agent

It’s acceptable to interview multiple agents before choosing the one that best aligns with your personality and approach. This allows you to compare their communication styles, knowledge base, and overall fit for your needs.

One sure way of checking the credibility of a real estate developer is by looking at their name, amenities, and years in the industry.

Real estate developers like Camella have been giving homes to Filipinos for close to five decades already which makes it a credible choice for your next house and lot in the Philippines. 

Camella offers a Mediterranean-inspired home that provides a sense of community to its residents. Its complimentary amenities can create an active lifestyle for its residents, and its 24/7 security ensures they are safe.