Dear Jan: We are moving to another state. Curious about how we pick a real estate agent to help us find a home there. Can you shed any light on this subject? — JRS

Dear JRS: Great question! There are a few different ways to approach finding an agent both in state and out of state.

You can do an online search yourself by searching “Top Real Estate Agent” or “Top Real Estate Broker” in that city. Then read the agent or broker’s bio. Things you are looking for: performance record, number of listings, and special real estate designations. Do you get a good vibe from what you see?

Another way to search is by going to the National Association of Realtors’ website and looking specifically for agents with designations, for example CRS, GRI, and ABR.

Why an agent with a designation? Because they have gone the extra miles to further educate themselves.  The CRS designation is the most coveted, as a CRS has to not only have the required education hours but must also have a large number of documented sales.

Your local real estate broker many times has met agents in other states at real estate classes and conventions and can do a referral. Or they can do the research for you, interview the agent to make sure they are a good fit, and then introduce you.

Also, some larger firms have national relocation departments that have a network of agents all over the country. The department will chat with you first and will then interview the agent to make sure it is a fit.

The bottom line is, you do not have to go into this cold. I know if you were my client, I would want to know you were being taken care of on the other end. My advice: call your local real estate broker today.

Best wishes, Jan