When it comes to requiring the services of a realtor, who are you most likely to call first? A complete stranger or someone you know and trust like your uncle or cousin or a friend? Someone you know, of course. Though I would caution you against this, you’re probably thinking why not? Sounds like a fair question—but are you looking to buy or sell a home because you need to or are you trying to do a favour for your loved one, who's a realtor needing business?

When people you know are involved you might feel obligated to the point that you are thinking that you should sell your house just so that they can get some business!

Don't get me wrong—it's really nice that you've got someone you know who's an agent. But the market is currently saturated with inexperienced agents left, right and centre! You'll find that at just about any event you go to, there are at least 2 agents...at your table!  It's almost like a mandatory ratio of agents to other guests these days.

So how do you determine who the best realtors to work with are? For starters, those of you who are trying to get into the real estate market and require the services of a realtor, do yourself a favour and stop using mom and pop realtors.

Does your family member or friend that is a realtor really know how to relate to your requirements? Are you able to relay your lifestyle choices clearly enough for them to find you the house that you are looking for?

Chances are slim to none that this will be a mutually beneficial relationship. At the end of the day, an inexperienced realtor is an inexperienced realtor and having a license does not make up for a lack of knowledge of the market. When it comes to making milestone purchases, you want to work with those that can guide you based on their firsthand experiences not hearsay.

I know agents who've got their license, just so they can sell their own home and their siblings’ homes. Just go ahead and give them a call and you will really get a true understanding of their experience and knowledge within a few minutes.

It's great to give business to family and friends—but give your business to those who are knowledgeable in the industry. Are you willing to put yourself at risk because you feel obligated to work with someone?

I recently had the opportunity to work with a young couple who had initially started to work with an elderly realtor that their parents had known. After 2 months of working with this realtor they called it quits! Without getting into the details, simply put, the agent wasn't the right individual to meet their needs.

I think it's really important to work with an individual who's going to be able to connect and relate to you. Don't you?