A Texas Realtors association is the best place to start when you're buying or selling a home or piece of Texas commercial real estate. Find an agent that's experienced with the type of property you're interested in buying or selling. Look for agents through Texas broker associations 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 Texas 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 Texas Association of Realtors.

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 Texas Association of Realtors or any other realty organizations.

3. Look for a Texas 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 agents affiliated with Texas Realtors and brokers Associations

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: Try TexasRealEstate.com for a great directory of hundreds of realtors in the state that handle all types of realty transactions. Texas Listing Service also lists Realtors by region to help you narrow down your search. A great Houston-based realty company is Martha Turner Properties, or try Texas Discount Realty with agents across the state.

Use online directories for your Texas Realtors search

Find a Texas 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: Use Home Gain Realtor search to find a Texas Realtor, or check the advanced search options of Realtor.com to narrow your search down by region, city and specific needs.

Check licensing and affiliations with the Texas real estate broker associations

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 like a Texas brokers association to decide which Realtors are more qualified for your transaction needs.

I recommend: Find out if your Realtor is affiliated with the Texas Association of Real Estate Brokers, the professional organizations for Texas Realtors and brokers, by browsing their city-specific list of Realtors. Check to see if your rRaltor belongs to the Texas Association of Realtors through an easy-to-use directory, or verify they're in good standing with the Texas Real Estate Commission on the site's license search.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Texas real estate agents should have a license from the Texas Real Estate Commission. Even if a Realtor claims he has an affiliation with a Texas broker association, check with the Commission to make sure his licensing is up-to-date.