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09-08-2008, 10:58 AM
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Location: Brooklyn, NY
8,977 posts, read 12,585,602 times
Reputation: 9018
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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. |
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09-08-2008, 11:22 AM
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Location: Spring, Texas
410 posts, read 1,624,024 times
Reputation: 164
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Quote:
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  |
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09-08-2008, 11:51 AM
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Location: Venice Florida
1,380 posts, read 5,691,392 times
Reputation: 878
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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!
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09-08-2008, 12:07 PM
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Location: Virginia Beach, VA
2,124 posts, read 8,543,720 times
Reputation: 817
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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
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09-08-2008, 01:54 PM
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Location: Brooklyn, NY
8,977 posts, read 12,585,602 times
Reputation: 9018
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I appreciate all of your replies. That helps a lot!
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09-08-2008, 04:25 PM
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27,093 posts, read 44,685,563 times
Reputation: 15459
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Quote:
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.... |
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09-08-2008, 04:53 PM
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Location: Richmond, VA
2,309 posts, read 1,975,798 times
Reputation: 973
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If you have to question the intergrity of your realtor, I think you need to find a new one, lol!
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09-08-2008, 05:01 PM
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Location: Salem, OR
15,273 posts, read 38,272,446 times
Reputation: 16565
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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.
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09-08-2008, 05:03 PM
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Location: Barrington
63,948 posts, read 44,036,635 times
Reputation: 20645
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Quote:
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. |
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09-08-2008, 05:24 PM
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Location: SW Austin
314 posts, read 1,180,779 times
Reputation: 94
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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.
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