How to choose a Charleston real estate agent
While a cottage industry of agent ratings, reviews and certifications has sprung up, still the best way to choose a Charleston real estate agent is to get a recommendation from a friend, neighbor or relative who used an agent and was happy with the service provided.
I previously wrote that many online reviews were faked.
David Streitfeld writing in the NY Times reports, "an industry of fibbers and promoters has sprung up to buy and sell raves for a pittance."
And now real estate agents can pay $400 annually to a company that will verify you as a real estate professional.
Please.
Now first of all, there is nothing wrong with being verified as a professional. A real estate agent has to meet a variety of qualifications in order to be verified. That's all good.
And while I'm not against anyone making money off real estate agents, I just think that there are better ways to choose your real estate agent.
So if you plan on buying or selling a home in Charleston, choose wisely. It's your money. Interview a number of agents and find one that you are comfortable with. Ask them hard questions about their experience and expertise. Don't rely on third party ratings, reviews and certifications because sometimes there is more to it than meets the eye.