How To Know if Real Estate Agent Actually Sold Houses (sales, property)

[jjbradleynyc]

Is there a database or reference point of some authority, that would be able to show if a real estate agent has actually sold the number of homes he/she state they have sold?

It seems like one of those things that any agent can easily lie about.



Thanks.

[sunny57]

Originally Posted by jjbradleynyc

Is there a database or reference point of some authority, that would be able to show if a real estate agent has actually sold the number of homes he/she state they have sold?

It seems like one of those things that any agent can easily lie about.



Thanks.

I can only speak about ...Houston. We ... have access to agent searches...part of which shows agent sales history. I think it's tracked and maintained through the MLS system. I'm not sure if the public side has this as an option... as we have to pay the "big bucks" for our service.. we're probably getting a few more bells & whistles...Sunny

[FLBob]

The MLS is the source of agent sales. The local board of realtors will use the MLS database to determine awards for sales volume.
While your assertion that an agent could exaggerate their sales may happen, realize that each agent is a small business unto themselves. I frequently look at other agents sales history. I'm sure other agents check my sales. If I were to advertise my sales numbers incorrectly I could count on my competition to report me for false or deceptive advertising. If such a report was substantiated I very well could lose my license. I would need to look for another way to make a living. I don't think the perceived gain is worth the risk for most agents, and I know you'll be amazed to learn; most agents are honest!

[shellytc]

You could possibly call the local MLS service and ask them. But like FLBob says, other agents are always checking us out.... I would be afraid to not tell the truth.

Shelly

[jjbradleynyc]

I appreciate all of your replies. That helps a lot!

[bentlebee]

Originally Posted by jjbradleynyc

Is there a database or reference point of some authority, that would be able to show if a real estate agent has actually sold the number of homes he/she state they have sold?

It seems like one of those things that any agent can easily lie about.



Thanks.

Great post! I never heard that there is such a thing, but some one on one of the forums suggested to call a local title company and ask which realtor has the most closings at their company...and call a couple of more title companies and than you can start to do some interviews....
I thought it was great advise and I'm spreading the news....

[twinmma]

If you have to question the intergrity of your realtor, I think you need to find a new one, lol!

[Silverfall]

My local MLS allows us only to see listing agent sides. I could not look up how many homes someone sold as a buyer agent.

If someone is doing a presentation and they have wireless access, ask them to pull up their MLS listings for you.

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by bentlebee

Great post! I never heard that there is such a thing, but some one on one of the forums suggested to call a local title company and ask which realtor has the most closings at their company...and call a couple of more title companies and than you can start to do some interviews....
I thought it was great advise and I'm spreading the news....

It's illegal to financially benefit from a referral to a title company or vice versa. So when asked, title companies refer business to agents that drive the most business to them. None of this has anything to do with the agent's competence.

[jenkirk]

I think it is best to just ask for a list of their past clients referrals & phone numbers. This is the best way to find out what kind of real estate agent they are. Going with the person who has the most listings is not always the best way to pick an agent. Also title companies are biased towards agents who use them the most. Many agents spread their work out over several companies depending on the client or property location.