This Guide has been developed by the relocation experts at the Parent Relocation Council to assist with your relocation. We are parents who have relocated and know that a successful move is dependent on up-to-date information about perspective communities. We have created this resource to provide you with all the information required to manage your relocation. It is divided into three categories:  Before the move, during the move, and settling in.

How do I find a Realtor®?
Choosing a Realtor should be approached with the same care you'd take to choose a lawyer or doctor. Friends, neighbors and coworkers are often good sources for referrals.

1. Choose a PRC Council Member™! This is the surest way to make sure that you are working with one of the best Realtors® in the area. Just enter the zip code to which you are moving in the search field to the left to find the nearest Council Member™. If a Council Member™ isn't available in your area, you can still find an excellent real estate agent on your own. Just follow the tips below.
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2. Take your time. Do not rush into a decision and be committed to an agent that is not a good fit. Plan to take a few days to up to a week or two asking questions, scheduling appointments and processing the information that you are gathering.
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3. Call the local real estate offices and ask the Broker Manager who the most successful agent in the community in your price range is and why. Schedule appointments with a recommended agent from each of the top offices.  If the Broker Manager knows that you are interviewing they will select a professional agent to compete for your business.
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4. When selling a home note the Realtors® name on the signs you see the most often in your community and schedule an appointment with them.
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5. Ask everyone you see in the community about Realtors, who they like and why. Ask friends and neighbors if they would use the same Realtor again.
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6. Determine how well connected to the community the prospective agent is that you are listing with or who is selling you a community. Does the agent live in the community?
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7. Ask prospective Realtors® lots of questions about themselves. Be as careful as you would be selecting a surgeon or physician. See the PRC list of suggested questions to ask a prospective Realtor®.
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8. Create a list of attributes that are important to you in a Realtor®. You want to be comfortable working with the person that you select.
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9. Make a list of your requirements in an agent and home. Have the list available to review as you speak with agents by phone or personal interview. Does the perspective agent understand your needs and requirements?
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10. Learn how the Realtor's® markets properties. Determine if they are taking advantage of and using up-to-date marketing systems like the Internet.
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11. When you make the final decision, weigh all the factors, and use your instinct to select the Realtor® that best meets your needs.

Questions to ask a perspective Realtor®

1. How long have you been licensed?  How long have you actively worked in the area?  How many homes have you closed in the last three months? Do you work full time as a Realtor®?
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2. Are you a member of the National Association of Realtors®?  Have you earned any specialty professional real estate designations, such as Graduate Realtor® Institute or Certified Residential Specialist?
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3. Does the Realtor® have a presentation that includes detailed school and community information?
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4. Ask the agent to describe the best elementary, middle and high school in this area and describe why are they are considered “the best”.
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5. What are the considered good schools but not “the best” in the area? Describe the differences between the school districts.
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6. How does this city/town compare to nearby towns in regards to community activities, programs, and facilities.
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7. In what price range is the majority of your sales? If an agent seems to specialize in properties either much more expensive or much less expensive then the range you are looking in, they may not be right for you.
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8. Describe your office to me. How many clients are you working with right now?  Have you partnered up with any other agents? Do you use an assistant? Is there anything else that you think I should be aware of?  Is there anything else that you think I should know?
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9. Obtain a list of clients from your Realtors® and phone and ask the following questions:  Did they find the agent to be honest? Did the agent keep all promises? Did the agent have time for you? Did they seem overly rushed or hurried? Did they try to accommodate your schedule?  Did your agent negotiate a good price?  Would you use this agent again?
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10. Select you agent after asking yourself the following questions. How comfortable do you feel with this agent? Do they make a good impression? What do you feel about the personality of the agent? Since buying a home can be stressful, it is helpful to have someone who perhaps has the ability to ease your mind. If you like the person yourself it can really be helpful.  

Once you have selected an agent it is a good idea to work with only one agent unless you are looking at geographically separate areas.