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Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent - How to Interview an Agent
Smart consumers interview potential real estate agents before deciding on whom to hire. Just as you are sizing up the potential for a good fit, rest assured that the real estate agent will likely be interviewing you too. Be wary of agents who don't ask you questions and probe for your motivation.
1. How Long Have You Been in the Business?
The standard joke is there's nothing wrong with a new agent that a little experience won't fix. But that's not to say that freshly licensed agents aren't valuable. Much depends on whether they have access to competent mentors and the level of their training. Newer agents tend to have more time to concentrate on you.
2. What is Your Best Marketing Plan or Strategy for My Needs?
As a buyer, you will need to know:
- How will you search for my new home?
- How many homes will I likely see before I find a home I want to buy?
- Will I be competing against other buyers?
- How do you handle multiple offers?
- Do you present offers yourself?
3. Will You Please Provide References?
Everybody has references so don't be afraid to ask for them.
5. What Are the Top Three Things That Separate You From Your Competition?
A good agent won't hesitate to answer this question and will be ready to fire off why he/she is best suited for the job. Everyone has their own standards, but most consumers say they are looking for an agent who say they are:
- Ethical and competent
- Agressive marketers
- Excellent negotiators
- Easily accessible
- Excellent communicators
- Strong problem solving and conflict management skills
6. May I Review Documents Beforehand That I Will Be Asked to Sign?
A sign of a good real estate agent is a professional who makes forms available to you for preview before you are required to sign them. If at all possible, ask for these documents upfront.
As a buyer, ask for copies of the following:
- Buyer's Broker Agreement (is it exclusive or non-exclusive?)
- Agency Disclosures
- Purchase Agreement
- Buyer Disclosures
7. How Will You Help Me Find Other Professionals?
Let the real estate agent explain to you who he/she works with and why they choose these professionals. Your agent should be able to supply you with a written list of vendors such as mortgage brokers, home inspectors, contractors and title companies.
8. What Kind of Guarantee Do You Offer?
If you sign a listing or buying agreement with the agent and later find that you are unhappy with the arrangement, will the agent let you cancel the agreement? Will the agent stand behind their services to you? What is their company's policy about canceled agreements?
9. What Haven't I Asked You That I Need to Know?
Pay close attention to how the real estate agent answers this question. You want an agent to take his time with you -- to make sure you feel comfortable and secure with his knowledge and experience. He should know how to listen and how to counsel you by asking the right questions to determine your needs.
We hope that you have found this information very informative. Don't hesitate to
contact us with any questions you may have.
