When you decide to embark on the adventure of finding a real estate agent to help you either buy or sell a home, the trick is not doing the right things. The trick to finding the real estate agent is asking the right questions. Buying or selling a home, even if it’s just an investment property, is not an endeavor to take lightly, so it’s important that the individual helping and guiding you along that process is one you can trust. So, what exactly are the most important questions to ask a potential real estate agent?
How much experience do you have?
The longer the experience, the better. If a real estate agent is new, that is not necessarily bad. However, real estate is a commission-based business, so if a real estate agent has a lot of experience, chances are they’re good at what they do. Not only that, but if they have many years of experience, they are more likely to not get thrown off by unexpected bumps in the road, and handle them with more grace.
What type of communication should I expect from you?
In the relationship between real estate agent and client, communication is crucial. In order for the relationship to achieve its purpose, and find you the home of your dreams, or sell your home at the price of your dreams, trust and clear communication must be in place. Asking this question gives you a sense of not only how the real estate agent will communicate with you, but how they prioritize communication.
Can I have contact information of references?
Because this relationship requires a great deal of trust and communication, you need to know you’re in the right hands. No one can speak better about the agent’s level of customer service than their former clients. Don’t be afraid to ask the agent for past client references, and follow-up with those references. It’s best to ask open-ended questions, specific to your priorities.
What is your best marketing plan for my needs?
Marketing strategies are important for both buyers and sellers, so it’s a good idea to ask potential real estate agents about this no matter if you’re buying or selling. If you’re buying, you need to know that the real estate agent will make you the most attractive buyer to sellers. How are they going to get you to stand out among other buyers? When you’re selling, there are multiple approaches to marketing your home to potential buyers. Are they going to invest in a direct mail campaign? What kind of photography do they offer? Do they utilize online marketing?
Can I review documents ahead of time before I sign?
A trustworthy real estate agent will make the necessary legal documents available to you to look over before you agree and sign, so that you know exactly what you may or may not agree to. Some important documents to ask for are the buyer’s broker agreement, agency disclosures, buyer disclosure, the listing agreement, and seller disclosure.
Do you have questions for me?
This question is important, as it can tell a lot about how the real estate agent conducts their business. Do they prioritize you, or the sale? Are they wanting to get to know you, or just looking for money. If they only ask about price points, or what you’d like in a new home, you can generally infer that they aren’t prioritizing their client relationships, as a good real estate agent should.
Beginning the home buying or selling process can be a daunting task. The real estate experts at Twin City Real Estate Services are dedicated to high quality, individualized attention to each of our clients’ wants, needs, and concerns when it comes to buying or selling a home. If you are in the Twin Cities metro area, contact us today to get started.