Ever wish you could see through the hype to hire the best real estate agent for buying or selling your home?

However, there are things you can do to pull back the curtain and accurately assess a real estate agent's past performance and potential success with your home. Whether you're the buyer or the seller, here are seven ways you can find out more about your agent before you hire.

With Recent Clients

Ask agents to provide a list of what they've listed and sold in the past year, with contact information.

Licensing

Check with your state's regulatory body to find out if the person is licensed and if there have been any disciplinary actions or complaints, or check to see if the information is posted online.

a Winner

One that really means something is the "Realtor of the Year" designation awarded by the state or local branch of NAR.

Select an Agent With the Right Credentials

The agent should be at one of the following designations:

CRS (Certified Residential Specialist): Completed additional training in handling residential real estate.

ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative): Completed additional education in representing buyers in a transaction.

SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist): Completed training aimed at helping buyers and sellers in the 50-plus age range.

Research How Long the Agent Has Been in Business

You can often find out how long the agent has been selling real estate from the state licensing authority. Or, you can just ask the agent.

Ultimately, what you're looking for is someone who is actively engaged in a particular area and price range

Look at Their Current Listings

Check out an agent's listings online. Two places to look are the agency's own site and Realtor.com, a website that compiles properties in the Multiple Listing Service into a searchable online database.

Ask About Other Houses for Sale Nearby

Mention a house in your area that's sold recently or is for sale. If the agent knows the property and can give you a few details, that means he or she really knows your area, he says. "You want someone like that who's on top of the market."

Lydia Gable Realty is considered as one the well known agency in the real estate industry. We have a team of professionals, having vast knowledge in this field that will guide you in all aspects of your investments by planning and executing a proper planned strategy well in time. Hire our professionals and enjoy our services. Schedule an appointment now.

Lydia Gable

30700 Russell Ranch Rd, Suite 200

Westlake Village, CA 91362

(818) 934-8902

http://www.lydiagable.com/