When choosing a broker for your luxury real estate purchase you may want to use the following checklist to help make the right choice:

Intelligence: Is this person focused and do they offer a high level of expertise in the luxury real-estate market where you want to buy or sell? Do they have an intimate knowledge of the market? Can they help me in other markets with referrals? Having the experience to negotiate and understand high-value transactions as well as extensive market knowledge is essential.

Efficient: Can your broker efficiently use technology to communicate, crunch numbers and smoothly navigate the purchase process? The same qualities you bring to running your business need to be evident when choosing the right broker.

Service: Has your broker taken the time to learn about you so he/she can customize a high-touch service program? For example, it does no good to offer to show a client an English Tudor style home when they have their mind set on Contemporary. Agents that take the time to learn your cultural and social traits and requirements are communicating respect, which is not to be overlooked.

Discretion: High-value real estate purchases can attract attention. Will your broker understand your need for discretion and privacy? It’s common to have real estate agents, and their firms, sign non-disclosure agreements. An experienced broker will present options for your specifications.

Integrity: Take the time to discover if the broker has the right principals and morality, and whether he/she lives by them. After all, this is the person you are trusting with your family, security, investment, and money. Seek references in addition to spending time in conversation with them.

Investing the time to qualify a real estate broker before entering into a transaction will go far in creating a fulfilling experience rather than merely achieving a purchase.