Fiona Gilmour

With over 30,000 realtors in Houston how do you choose the right one? You may have friends, family and colleagues suggesting names. It is advisable to interview 2-3 people. Here are some suggested questions to ask together with how I would answer them.

Do you have any professional designations and why are they important? Designations indictate a commitment to the profession and a level of experience and expertise. I am a Master Certified Negotiation Expert (Top 1% of realtors in USA have this) and am accredited with the Inst.of Luxury Home Marketing.

Can an international buyer get a loan with no credit history? Yes. I work with a terrific network of lenders who will do their best to make this happen for you. You will start the process before you arrive and can be in your new home within 6 weeks of getting off the plane.

Are you from Texas? I've lived in Texas since 2003 but grew up in Scotland and England. I've since lived in Indonesia, Trinidad and Australia. So I can see Houston through the eyes of a newcomer and this is important. I work with buyers from around the globe and market properties worldwide. I have a global perspective which benefits clients.

What sells a home? Pricing, staging and tailored marketing. It's vitaly important your home is priced competitively and looks amazing - because buyers have choice. And you want them to choose YOU.

What areas of town do you work in? I work in those parts of town most favored by international buyers and interstate moves. Areas of focus are inside the 610 loop, I10 corridor, Katy and Sugarland. If you are looking in a different part of town such as the Woodlands, I will refer you to an area expert.

Anything else? I sit on the board of SABA as their Relocation Specialist. The Scottish American Business Alliance - SABA is a Houston based team who works tirelessly to promote Houston and help Scottish companies set up business here. I am also a Member of the Houston Relocation Professional Network - a group of experienced professionals dedicated to this industry.

What makes you different to other realtors? If you are moving to Texas for the first time, it's more than the house. It's about neighborhood, community, schools, making friends. Its about getting established in the US - your insurance, SSN and more. I work as a real estate consultant and offer destination services - a service some companies pay thousands of dollars for. I have a far reaching network of professionals I can count on to help you with international accountancy, estate planning, taxation, insurance, immigration and law.

Are you with a Broker? I am proud to be part of Keller Williams Metropolitan based in the Galleria. But as an MLS member I can show you ALL homes listed with ANY broker.

Do you work with international relocations or USA residents? Both. I do international, interstate and across town transactions. Although by the fact that I know many international transferees and have been one myself, I tend to attract those types of buyers and sellers.

I want a "top producing agent", are you one? To become a top producing agent, this requires an real estate agent to sell MANY homes. Do you want to be the 10th or 15th or 25th listing in someone's current portfolio? Or do you want your home to be your realtor's priorty?

How long have you been in real estate? Since 2006. Prior, I worked in Human Resources and have a Business Degree and post grads in Marketing and Counselling.

Do you work full time? Yes. I am committed to this profession 150%!

Do you have an assistant? No. When you are buying or seling your home, I believe you deserve the full attention of your real estate agent.