There’s so many real estate agents available for homebuyers and sellers to use now. With so many, it can be difficult in choosing the right one—the best agent who will most effectively assist you with your real estate goals, but we’re making it easier for you. Here are some questions you should ask to help find your ideal real estate agent.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE IN REAL ESTATE?
How much education and experience a real estate agent has on the market is an important factor to how successful they will be in selling or helping you buy a home. Find out about any real estate organizations they might be in, and if they have a current real estate license. It’s important to find an agent that knows the industry well enough to guide you in the right direction.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR CLIENTS ARE BUYERS OR SELLERS?
Whether you are planning to buy or sell your home, you must have an agent that has the right background and experience fit for your needs. If you’re trying to sell a home, for example, a real estate agent who has had more success with clients who were selling their homes than those buying may be more appealing to you.
HOW MANY OTHER BUYERS OR SELLERS ARE YOU REPRESENTING RIGHT NOW?
How many people a real estate agent is representing at the same timecan affect how effectively they are able to work with you. Normally agents who have more clients tend to work more quickly and efficiently; they’re likely more organized because they are juggling so many clients.
WHAT NEIGHBORHOODS DO YOU NORMALLY WORK WITHIN?
Knowing which communities a real estate agent works within lets you know what markets they’re more knowledgeable about. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to sell or buy a home in the same areas they have experience with. They can even assist you with property searches.
WILL YOU BE MY MAIN CONTACT THROUGHOUT THE BUYING/SELLING PROCESS?
Some real estate agents may choose to delegate tasks to other associates within their team if they have one. However, it is important to choose an agent who is willing to do most of the grunt work for you. It can get frustrating being bounced around between different agents if you have concerns or questions; having one agent as your main contact reduces this problem.
DO YOU WORK PART TIME OR FULL TIME AS AN AGENT?
An active agent or an agent who works full time is often more likely to know current laws and markets that may pertain to your situation.
WHAT’S YOUR FEE?
The agent’s fee can often be the deal-breaker for those looking for an agent to represent them. Try to find out any commission fees ahead of time that will be taken out of the final price of a home you’re interested in. You don’t want an agent who is more focused on commission over your real estate needs.