If you are buying or selling a home in your own neighborhood, finding a reputable real estate agent is simple; however, finding a real estate agent in Alaska can prove to be quite a job. In your current neighborhood, you can ask your friends and colleagues for referrals, and you will soon know whom to hire and whom to avoid. However, if your transfer is a far distance away, finding a referral may not be a simple thing. If you are relocating to Alaska, make certain you do a little investigating into Alaska realtors before you sign with one. Make sure you:

1. Compare what competing real estate agencies in Alaska can do for you online.

2. Look further into your 'shortlist' of potential AK real estate agents.

3. Check that your realtor in AK has the credentials needed to do the job.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a real estate agent in Alaska

If you are transferring a far distance, you can begin searching for Alaska realtors without leaving your computer. Use websites to look for real estate agencies in Alaska, and narrow your search before going north and meeting your real estate agent in AK in person.

I recommend: HomeGain.com lets you compare realtors in Alaska before you commit. You complete a form describing what type of property and realtor in AK you are looking for, and AK real estate agents respond with proposals within hours. REALTOR.com, a service of the National Association of Realtors, can also help you find a licensed realtor in Alaska. You can also look on RealEstate ABC for referrals.

Look for more specific information on your real estate agent in AK

Finding a few names online to get you started is just the first step. Once you have found a few Alaska real estate agents to look into, do a little more investigating. Check to see if your selected AK real estate agency or AK real estate agent can meet your needs by looking at the properties the AK real estate agent is offering.

I recommend: Check out your potential Alaska real estate agent by looking at their listings on the Alaska Multiple Listing Service, Inc. (AK MLS) website. You can also check the listings on RealEstate.com and see if your potential AK real estate agency has the types of properties you are looking for.

Make sure your real estate agent in AK is properly licensed

Sometimes AK real estate agents seem to have everything you want, but they might have some hidden problems that won't become apparent until it is too late. Make sure your real estate agents in Alaska have the qualifications needed to do the job for you before you agree to work with them.

I recommend: The State of Alaska website allows you to search for occupational licenses and real estate offices. This will help you verify if your real estate agents in Alaska are properly licensed, and if they have a history of complaints from the public. You should also look into whether the person you are hiring is a member of the Alaska Association of Realtors. A realtor requires higher educational and training standards than those who are simply real estate agents, so realtors in Alaska may be a better choice for you than a simple AK real estate agent.

Contact some top real estate agents in Alaska

There are many fine real estate agents and realtors in Alaska, so it may be hard to find the one for you. Look at the websites of some AK real estate agents and see if any of them have what you want in an agent.

I recommend: Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate covers the Anchorage, Eagle River, Matanuska-Susitna Valley and Girdwood areas with dozens of Alaska real estate agents who can help you find a home. If you are relocating to Fairbanks, you may want to check out the AK real estate agents of Coldwell Banker Gold Country. For homes in Juneau, check out RE/MAX of Juneau.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It never hurts to ask for referrals. If you get a chance to visit Alaska before you relocate there, ask people you meet for recommendations. You might also knock on doors where you see a 'For Sale' sign. Even if the house doesn't appeal to you, the seller can tell you how hard their AK real estate agent has worked for them.