10 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent
Choosing a real estate agent can be a tough job.
Buying or selling is a lengthy, emotional, and often confusing process, so it’s essential that your real estate agent is prepared to go on this journey with you! There’s nothing worse than choosing a real estate agent who doesn’t have your best interests in mind and who is just looking for a commission.
To help you make a decision, we’ve compiled a list of 10 questions to ask before you hire a real estate agent!
10 Questions for a Potential Real Estate Agent
Here’s what you should ask potential real estate agents before you make the commitment to work with one…
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Do you have a real estate license?
This is the first question you’ll want to ask a potential real estate agent.
You only want to work with real estate agents who have the proper licensing and accreditation. Working with a realtor who isn’t properly qualified can leave you in a very messy situation. If a potential realtor doesn’t have a license, run for the hills!
2. Can I see a list of referrals?
An experienced real estate agent should have no problem giving you a list of referrals.
Referrals are clients that the agent has successfully worked with in the past. If the real estate agent can’t offer a list of referrals, either they don’t have much experience or the experience they’ve had with clients hasn’t been positive.
3. Have you sold homes in this neighborhood or price range?
When it comes to setting the price for a home, the neighborhood plays a huge role.
Many sellers work with a real estate agent so they can accurately price their house to get the highest return. Working with an agent who has experience selling in the neighborhood or a similar neighborhood will help you sell quickly and for a higher return.
This same idea applies to working with an agent who has sold in the price range your house belongs in.
4. How long have you been working as a real estate agent?
Ideally, you’d work with an agent with a few years of experience.
This is important when it comes to negotiating during the selling process. A newer agent is more likely to make a mistake while negotiating contracts. If your agent makes a mistake in the contract, you may be left with a hefty bill that you legally have to cover.
This doesn’t mean you can’t work with a newer agent, but if you decide to, proceed with caution and make sure they have outstanding referrals.
5. Do you work part-time or full-time?
An important quality of a realtor needs to be their commitment to you.
If an agent is only working part-time, that means your window to see houses, contact them regarding properties, or meet with them in person will be limited. Working with a full-time agent is especially important if your schedule is very full and unpredictable.
If there are only 4 hours out of the day that you can work with your realtor, this will really drag out the buying or selling process.
6. Will I be working with only you or will I be working with a team?
One of the great things about working with one realtor is the fact that they get to know you.
When your realtor understands exactly what you’re looking for in a house, your price range, and your situation, it makes it much easier to buy or sell. If you have to touch base and explain this to 4 different people, it can be frustrating and time-consuming.
Again, you want an agent who is going to fully commit themselves to you, and that won’t happen if you’re working with a variety of realtors.
7. What is your plan for marketing my home?
This is such an important question if you’re selling a property.
This is a question that your realtor should not only be expecting but have an elaborate plan for as well. They should be able to tell you exactly how they market properties, why they market that way, and how it has worked for them.
8. Do you work with a network of professionals?
The home buying and selling process requires a lot of moving parts.
From working with a lender to hiring an inspector to using a lawyer when necessary, you’ll end up needing services from more than just a realtor more often than not. Most experienced realtors have a network of professionals that they can refer to you for these outside services.
It’s important to make sure that your realtor has credible professionals that they work with because you’re responsible for finding them if not. If you’re spending the money for an inspection or you’re taking out a loan for a mortgage, you’ll want to know that you’re working with credible, experienced professionals across the board.
9. What fees will I owe you?
Before committing to a realtor, you’ll want to understand what you owe them financially.
Typically, a realtor will collect around a 6% commission on the house. This commission doesn’t all go to the realtor you’re working with, it may be split up between the realtor who brought the buyer to the house and the listing agent.
If you’re buying, you won’t typically have to worry about paying your agent since the money you’re paying for the house will include their commission. If you’re selling, you’ll want to know how much you’re giving up on the return.
For either role, it’s best to ask and understand how the realtor will be paid.
10. How should I get ahold of you?
Within reason, your realtor should always be able to answer your questions or take a minute to hop on the phone with you.
If your realtor has strict business hours where you’re expected to only reach them by email, you may want to pass on them. Especially if the market is hot, you’ll need to act quickly when you want to see a house, so your agent should understand this urgency.
Find the Realtor Who Will Put in the Work for You
When it comes to finding a realtor, you’ll want to take the time to find someone who’s going to put in the work for you.
Don’t settle for the first person you find, take some time to do some research and ask important questions.
To learn more about the marketing services that will help you sell, reach out to us today!