If you’ve made the decision to buy or sell a luxury home then it’s time to select the real estate professional who can best assist you. Not all good agents operate effectively in the upper-tier market. It is a market segment that requires special competencies.

1. Look for market knowledge and real estate skills. Not only should your agent know the city or area you are interested in, he or she should be knowledgeable about the price range you’ve targeted…

2. Notice special luxury affiliations and designations and ask what they mean. To zero in on professionals who specialize in the fine homes and estates market, look at an agent’s memberships and designations…

3. If you are selling, ask that the listing presentation include a specific marketing plan for your property. Don’t assume that the best marketing plan is always the most expensive. Listen to why the agent has included each element of the plan…

4. If you are selling, don’t let an agent “buy” your business. Choosing an agent based on the highest suggested list price is counterproductive if the house is overpriced…

5. Rapport and clear communication are important. Buying and selling can be stressful. Choosing an agent with whom you communicate clearly will help simplify the process…

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