10 Questions You Should Ask

Before You Hire a Real Estate Agent

It is critically important that you choose the right agent – the person who will handle one of the single largest financial investments you will ever make.

Not all real estate agents are the same. If you decide to seek the help of an agent when selling or buying your home, you need some good information before you make any moves.

An agent can cost or save you thousands of dollars!

There are very specific questions you should be asking to ensure that you get the best representation for your needs. Some agents may prefer that you don't ask these questions, since the knowledge you'll gain from their honest answers will give you a very good idea about what outcome you can expect from choosing them as an agent. And let's face it - in real estate, as in life - not all things are created equal.

1.What makes you different? Why should I list my home with you?

It's a much tougher real estate market than it was a decade ago. Make sure the agent you hire has unique marketing plans and programs in place to make sure that your home stands out favorably versus other competing homes. 

2. What is your company's track record and reputation in the market place?

It may seem like everywhere you look, real estate agents are boasting about being #1 for this or that, or quoting you the number of homes they've sold. If you're like many homeowners, you've probably become immune to much of this information.  You’re probably asking yourself, "Why should I care about how many homes one agent sold over another? The only thing I care about is whether they can sell my home!”

You probably want your home sold fast and for top dollar, so you should be asking the agents you interview how many homes they have sold. If one agent is selling many homes where another is selling only a handful, ask yourself why this might be, and what things these agents are doing differently.

3. What are your marketing plans for my home?

Find out exactly what media (internet, newspaper, magazine, etc.) this agent utilizes.  You have a right to know how your agent will be marketing your home, and what exposure it will receive.  Also, find out what, if any, unique or innovative marketing strategies this agent employs.  And remember, you get what you pay for!

4. What has your company sold in my area?

Agents should bring you a complete listing of area sales, including their own recent sales.

5. Does your Broker control your advertising or do you?

If your agent is not in control of their own advertising, then your home will be competing for advertising space not only with this agent's other listings, but also with the listings of every other agent in the brokerage.

6. On average, when your listings sell, how close is the selling price to the asking price?

It is important to remember that the market determines what a home will ultimately sell for.  However, the answer to this question can give you a good idea of your agent’s negotiating skills, and how well they priced the home to begin with.

7. On average, how long does it take for your listings to sell?

Again, market conditions play the critical role in home sales.  Generally speaking, a home that is priced right will typically sell faster than those that are not.  How well your agent helps you price your home from the start will be a factor in determining how long it stays on the market.

8. How many Buyers are you currently working with?

An agent who works only with Sellers, or doesn’t have much experience with Buyers may not have a truly diverse skill set to see the sale of your home from both sides of the transaction.  Ask them to describe the system they have for attracting buyers.

9. Do you have a reference list of clients I could contact?

Ask to see this list, and then proceed to spot check some of the names.

10. What happens if I'm not happy with the job you are doing to get my home sold?

If you hire an agent and you’re not happy with the job they are doing, you may be locked into a listing agreement that you cannot cancel.  Be sure the agent you hire will allow you to cancel your listing agreement with them.  Be wary of agents that lock you into a lengthy listing contract where they can get out (by ceasing to effectively market your home) but you can't. There are usually penalties and broker protection periods which safeguard the agent's interests, but not yours.   

Each agent's responses to these 10 questions will help you decide who will do the best job for you! 

If you would like to ask me these 10 questions, contact me today!  Simply fill out the form below, and I will be in touch with you shortly.  Remember, there is never any cost or obligation to speak with me.

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