Acquiring or disposing of property is an exciting venture that’s best undertaken with an expert who understands the nuances, latest developments and intricacies of the industry. It’s important to find a real estate agent who is well-informed, competent, and equipped to handle the type of housing and location you’re interested in, and whose personality and approach align with yours as you’ll be working closely with them.
Are you a licensed realtor?
While it may seem like an obvious question, asking your real estate agent if they are licensed is extremely important. You should ask to see their license to ensure that you are dealing with a professional who has undergone the required training and met the qualifications necessary to work with clients legally.
What brokerage do you work with?
It’s also important to know which brokerage your real estate agent works with and to gather information about their team, company, and experience. You can do this by researching their affiliations, browsing their website, visiting their office, or even giving them a call to verify their credibility. This can help you ensure that your agent is part of a reputable and trustworthy team.
How long have you been an agent?
If you are searching for an agent with expertise and familiarity with the field, it’s important to inquire about their prior experience and how long they’ve been in the industry. Most likely, they would be delighted to tell you how they became involved in real estate, how long they have been working in the sector, and what particular properties or ventures they specialize in. So don’t be afraid to ask them about it!
How many clients do you work with at one time?
It’s essential to find a real estate agent who is active and has a strong presence in the market, but not one who is too busy to answer your calls or take you for showings. In a fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable market where listings disappear within a few days of being posted, it is crucial to have an agent who is available and responsive. You should ask about their current client load, the number of properties they are currently handling, and their expectations of your client-agent relationship. You may want to clarify whether they will be working with you directly or if they have a team to assist with showings and appointments. Overall, your agent should be accessible and dedicated to serving your needs.
What is your area of specialty?
Real estate agents have different specialties: some specialize in buying, some in selling, and some are proficient in both. Determine where their expertise lies and choose what best suits your needs and circumstances. An ideal selling agent will work on your behalf, prioritize your interests, provide guidance on staging, enhance potential client traffic, and strive to secure the best possible price for your property. The right buying agent will represent you during bidding wars, have access to the latest property listings, and help you find your dream home. While you can choose to work with one realtor for both selling and buying, ensure that they are competent and dedicated to you, the customer, rather than simply looking to make more money.
What are your fees?
Inquiring about the costs, fees, and commissions involved in working with a real estate agent is entirely reasonable. While fees may be negotiable, it’s crucial not to base your decision solely on an agent’s reduced rate. Instead, prioritize finding an agent who possesses the necessary education, experience, and a roster of happy clients who are willing to provide testimonials.
Do you have a list of references?
A good agent should be willing to discuss their previous client experiences and should have a list of references that you can contact to learn more about their work. If an agent is unwilling to provide this information, it may be a red flag indicating that they’ve had negative interactions with past clients. Therefore, it’s essential to conduct your due diligence by calling a few references and getting to know the agent’s true nature beyond their sales pitch. Ask about their accessibility and personality to determine if they’re a good fit for you. It’s important to do this before you sign any contracts.
Do you have experience buying and selling in your area?
A skilled agent will possess an extensive understanding of the city and its environs, including the comparable properties for sale, recent sales, and a general grasp of the local real estate scene. The real estate market in larger cities with high demand and limited inventory can differ from rural areas, where there are more significant properties but less urgency. Check if the agent has prior experience buying and selling properties in the location you’re interested in. Inquire about the number of homes they’ve assisted in buying or selling in that market over the past year. A seasoned agent will also have knowledge of schools in the area, anticipated property tax, public transportation, and entertainment options, among other things. They should act as advocates for the city you are interested in. Don’t just choose someone because they’re an agent; choose someone who you believe will do an excellent job in your area.
Before choosing a listing agent, it is important to ask them how they plan to assist you in preparing your property for sale.
While some agents will be proactive in organizing professional cleaning services, staging items, booking photographers and videographers, and dedicating their attention to marketing your listing, others may simply put up a sign and expect you to do the rest. To avoid any confusion or miscommunication, it is important to clarify the level of involvement your agent is willing to have and what tasks you will be expected to handle. It is also a good idea to get recommendations and feedback from others before making a commitment.
Can you tell me about your previous listings?
It’s recommended that you inquire about the length of time it took for their past properties to sell, the ratio of the listing price to the actual sale price, the procedures they follow for advertising and showings, and if they have the necessary skills and experience to manage any specific needs you might have.
Want to ask some questions? I’d be happy to answer, contact me today.