First and foremost, if you are looking to buy or sell, it is wise to set up an interview with a potential real estate agent before you decide which agent to hire. Buying or selling a home especially for a first-time home buyer is a big deal on its own, so doing your research will be worth it in the long run. Just like you want to find the right person to help you, the agent will likely be interviewing you as well. If you ask all the right questions and feel confident with their responses, you can rest assured you found the right realtor for you!
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR CLIENTS ARE BUYERS/SELLERS?
Although many real estate agents work with both home sellers and buyers, the top producing agents tend to specialize in one specific category. Make sure that your agent is experienced in the process you would like to initiate, whether that be buying or selling. While it is great to know one area very well, it is important to make sure your prospective agent knows both sides of the equation. If you are selling a home, an agent experienced in both areas can have a better understanding of what a buyer is thinking, which can help them with the negotiation process.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY?
While more experience doesn’t always guarantee skill, typically an agent with many years in the business, great reviews and references will be the best choice to sell or find you the perfect home. However, this is not always the case as there are many new realtor rock stars who can sell or find you a home better than someone with 20+ years experience. If you are interested in a new agent, ask if they will have hands-on guidance and support from a real estate broker to help with any unexpected challenges.
IN WHICH NEIGHBORHOODS DO YOU PRIMARILY WORK?
The agent that you hire should definitely be well-acquainted with the details about the neighborhoods you’re interested in. It is essential to find someone who can give you the low-down of what the cultural amenities, range home prices, and top schools are. If you find someone who specializes in your interested area, you’ve met your match! You’d be surprised at the different insights your specialized agent can provide!
DO YOU WORK FULL TIME OR PART-TIME?
There are realtors who work part time or full time. Ideally, you want an agent who works full time so you know all your home matters are attended to in a timely fashion. Agents who are primarily focused on your needs tend to overpass those who have other responsibilities to attend to. Though, if you find a great part-time realtor, don’t let this steer you away! Simply ask what their strategy will be in moments where you find yourself in the middle of important matters such as a bidding war for your potential dream home.
WHAT IS YOUR MARKETING PLAN FOR SELLING MY HOME?
Like many industries, real estate marketing is changing rapidly, and we have the internet to thank for that. The agent that you hire should be experienced, aware, and engaged with the rapidly moving times. If you are selling your home, it’s a MUST to ask the agent specifically how they intend to market it.
- What can they do to give them leverage over the next agent?
- What will they do to expose your house to the greatest number of buyers/sellers?
A vast majority of homebuyers find their home online, so exceptional photography and home staging is the best way to help your home stand out from the crowd. Be sure to ask to see samples of ads, brochures, social media posts, or unique event ideas. that showcases their previous strategies. All in all, make sure there is a clear and aggressive marketing plan in place which you feel comfortable and confident about.
Choosing a real estate pro is a very important decision in the home buying and selling process. With plenty of agents ready to help you, don’t be shy to ask an agent all the questions above. Making sure you hire an agent who understands your wants and needs and is efficient in marketing your home the right way, will present you with an enjoyable and easy process.