If you’re buying or selling a home, whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, working with the right real estate agent is key to a successful transaction. Before choosing who to work with, it’s best to get in touch with a number of potential Realtors and take the time to talk to each one. Interviewing a Realtor is important to make sure you work with the right professional.
Keep in mind that during the interview, the agents will also have some questions for you. Prepare a few questions to ask a Realtor to make sure you cover all the bases.
These are some of the interview questions you must include:
What is your real estate experience and sales background?
Don’t think that you’re being nosy if you ask potential real estate agents when they were licensed and what their sales records are. You need to know whether they have the right experience in what they do and if you can be confident about their abilities.
Note what the agent says, then see if you can verify what they’ve told you from online sources, such as Agent Finder on Zillow, your local BBB, and so on. You can also verify their real estate license online.
What is your rate?
You need to know how much your Realtor will be charging. Ask them what their commission rate is and whether it’s negotiable. Realtors usually charge a commission fee of 6% of the final sale price, which will then be split between the listing agent and the buying agent. Feel free to negotiate, but also remember that expertise is worth paying for, so make sure to set aside enough of your budget so you can hire a top agent.
What is the best marketing or buying strategy for me?
Ask a potential real estate agent about market conditions, and whether now is a good time to sell or buy a home. A savvy Realtor would know. Depending on your location, there are good and bad months for buying and selling real estate.
Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, you’ll want to know that your chosen Realtor has a plan in place to make the process as quick and simple as possible. If you’re buying a home, ask the agent how many properties they think you’ll need to view before you find one that you’ll like. Are other buyers likely to be interested in the homes that appeal to you? If your agent is working with other clients, how do they balance their time and attention?
If you’re selling your home, it’s important for your Realtor to have a winning marketing strategy. How will they advertise the property? Do they work with other professionals, such as real estate photographers and contractors? Will they do an online or direct mail campaign? How will they stage your home and what other steps are needed to ensure that your house is ready to be sold?
Don’t hesitate to ask if there’s anything about your home that might turn off potential buyers. If your realtor says yes, listen to their expert opinion and see if you can implement their recommendation.
Are there any more questions you’d like to ask? Get in touch with me, Amir Hardy. I’m one of the top real estate agents in San Francisco, and I will be more than happy to answer your queries. Call me at 415.602.0570or send an email to amir(dotted)hardy(at)compass(dotted)com