A Florida real estate agency is the best place to start when you're buying or selling a home or piece of Florida commercial real estate. Find an agent that's experienced with the type of property you're interested in buying or selling. Look for FL real estate brokers that have offices close to you, but extend your search for an agent beyond the local area if you need help with a specific property in a different area or an expert in commercial or other dealings.

Any Florida real estate appraiser, Realtor or broker must have a license. The best way to make sure they're up-to-date with all the real estate training and licensing is to check the state's licensing directory. Another great sign of a qualified realtor is an affiliation with the Florida Association of Realtors. To deal with a Florida Realtor, you should:

1. Use national directories to develop an initial list of Realtors in your area.

2. Hire a Realtor only after making sure he's well-qualified by checking his state license and affiliation with the Florida Association of Realtors or any other realty organizations.

3. Look for a Florida Realtor who specializes in the type of property you are buying or selling.

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

Find local options for Florida real estate agents

Start your search as close as possible to the property you are selling or you're looking to buy. The best Realtor will be one who already has experience buying and selling in the area. He'll know the market values, be able to more easily help with pricing and can remain objective based on past transactions.

I recommend: Start by searching either the Florida Real Estate Directory or the Florida State Info/Florida Real Estate Guide. Both have a large listing of commercial, personal property and investment brokers that can help you find Florida real estate for sale. Search for a Prudential Florida WCI Realtor through the company website, or try contacting Charles Rutenberg Realty if you’re looking to buy or sell a home, condo or townhouse in the Tampa Bay area. If you’re buying or selling Miami, Florida real estate, try finding a top realtor from Florida Realty of Miami to help.

Use online directories for your Florida Realtors search

Find a Florida Realtor for both commercial and personal property by widening your search using an online directory. Find a directory that narrows your options down by state, county or even city. Most directories list contact information available to anyone without having to pay a fee, so don't waste your money on sites that require you to pay to find a Realtor.

I recommend: Search for Florida real estate brokers on Realtor.com, or use the directory to search for a Realtor in a specific city at the US Real Estate Directory.

Check licensing and affiliations for Florida real estate agents

Once you've narrowed your search down to a few good Realtors, check to make sure they are as qualified as they tell you they are. Use state licensing information and local organizations to decide which Realtors are more qualified for your transaction needs.

I recommend: Find out if your Realtor is affiliated with the Association of Florida Realtors through an easy-to-use directory, or verify they're in good standing with the Florida Real Estate Commission on the commission's website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take advantage of the resources available through the Florida Association of Realtors. They have many educational tools and tips to help you through the Florida realty process.