Recently while in a coffee shop with my laptop, I realized there is a Relator on every street corner, or at least several in every coffee shop. The employee serving coffee was a Realtor, and her customer was a Realtor, and I was there. It seems every Jane, Dick, and Martha are Realtors. Maybe licensing has been too easy. Regardless, the question I answer today is, "Are Realtors all the same?"

The answer is clearly, "No!," but I've realized many people think all Realtors are the same, or that it doesn't matter who represents you.

Does anyone think all lawyers are the same? Or how about all school teachers, or football coaches, or dentists, or auto mechanics? Of course they are not the same. Neither are all real estate agents equal.

Many buyers call the phone number off a sign. When talking to the agent who answers the phone, or the listing agent, most buyers correctly assume this agent can give them the basic information they need, but most buyers go on to hire that agent without any further due diligence. There is a big difference in the experience level and the professionalism from agent to agent. Certainly, most people know this or would admit it in a discussion, but apparently they don't give it much thought when looking for a home. If you do, and if you do your due diligence, I congratulate you, because you are way ahead of the crowd on this.

So, how do you do your due diligence on a real estate agent? I'm so glad you asked!

Here are three excellent ways to find out more about the next agent you are thinking about hiring.

First, type his or her name in a Google search with or without quotes. For example, if you were looking for a Washington Realtor, and you found Chuck Marunde, you could type "chuck marunde" in a Google search. [This is what you would see: Sequim Buyer's Agent] If the agent's name doesn't come up at all, it either means he or she doesn't have any Internet presence or he or she is so new in the business, they don't have anything out there yet, or both. In this day and age, an agent who isn't using the Internet in powerful ways is 10 to 20 years outdated. Is that what you want? If they're not using the Internet effectively, do you really think they can professionally collect information for you (most of which is on the Internet) and do a professional job for you?

Second, if this agent's name does show up in the results of a Google search, you can learn about their professional education and experience. If this isn't easily discoverable on the Internet, that's a bad indication, too. Either this agent doesn't know how to do that, or there isn't any kind of substance on the subject of real estate to post. That would not be good either. If there is a Resume posted or a profile of professional education and experience, make sure it is weighted heavily in your favor, in other words, in solid real estate experience related to helping you buy and negotiate a good deal on a house. There are legal documents, drafting, contingencies, financing issues, and a lot more. You're getting ready to hire a professional who will be intimately involved in helping you make a major investment. Don't fool around here. Be serious and qualify this person. After all, it's your money and your investment. You have the right to select the best, but it's your job to find that person.

Third, assuming the agent's name shows up in a Google search, you can also learn something about the person. Apart from their professional image, what else are they involved in, or what other interests do they have? The Internet is a powerful resource for finding out a lot about a person. You used to have to hire an investigator to find these things out, but now the Internet is a wonderful and free source of information, which can be both positive or damaging.

Fourth, check out their business website or blog. Do they have one? If not, I suggest moving on. A real estate agent without an Internet presence today is like an Amish man sitting at Chicago O'Hara. He's not getting on an airplane, so he won't be going anywhere soon, unless you give him a horse and carriage. (Yes, I long for the days of old when things were simpler and life was slower.)

Fifth, if they have a website or blog, is it content-rich, or is it just a static brochure? Are they providing good content that helps you make wise decisions in your search for a home, and is there a reason to come back to their site? By the way, when I ask if they have their own site, I don't mean a corporate franchise website that looks the same for all their agents, and is not very navigable or useful anyway. AND, here's a bonus for you. If they have their own site, check out the little resume or the little profile they drafted on themselves. It may say something like, "I managed a little antique shop in Santa Barbara for 14 years before moving to ________ six years ago. I love dogs, the outdoors, and walks on the beach. My husband is retired from the Coast Guard, and we have 5 children and 12 grandchildren. Let me help you with all your real estate needs." EGHAD! Look, I don't doubt she is a wonderful person, but that how is that going to help you buy a home? Need I say more on this?

Sixth, don't be fooled by the size of the building they work in, or how big the company name is. You will be hiring a "person," an "individual" who either has the experience to do a fantastic job for you, or not. What you are looking for is the best "buyer's agent" you can hire.

Seventh, if you are buying, use a buyer's agent. Do not get caught in the conflict of interest where the listing agent who has promised the seller the highest possible price also promises you the lowest possible price. This is another reason to do your due diligence. Look for an agent who has experience as a buyer's agent and who understands the value to YOU. View this video on Dual Agency.