10 Questions to ask before Hiring a Realtor

There are a lot of real estate professionals out there today. Chances are you may already know one from within your own social circle. You can get referrals from neighbors, friends, and family members. But one word of caution is this: Don’t pick someone so close to you that you can’t have a serious “straight talk” business conversation. You need someone with whom you are not uncomfortable disagreeing. And keep in mind that this person will at some point become quite intimate with your entire financial picture.

You are going to be spending a lot of time with your agent so his or her style had better be compatible with yours. Do you need someone easygoing or someone aggressive? If you are a self-proclaimed overachiever and like working with someone similar, as long as that agent has an easygoing personality and a great sense of humor.

So choose the most qualified person for the job that you think you’ll work well with. The ideal person for you is an experienced professional who knows your market, actually has a physical office in your town! ...  acts in an ethical manner, answers all of your questions, addresses your concerns and, most important, will listen to you and be your teammate throughout the entire process.

1. In which neighborhoods do you primarily work? Do you live in my city? Is your main office in my city?
2. Will I be working with you directly or handed off to anyone else other than you? (Linda works on every deal, with every professional team member!) In other words, will you handle all aspects of my transaction or will you delegate some tasks to a sales associate or administrative assistant? A knowledgeable assistant can be invaluable, but you want to make sure you can connect with your agent regularly.
3. Do you work full-time or part-time as a real estate agent?
4. How many homes have you closed in the last year? How many closings in the City I live in?
5. How many other buyers are you representing now? How many sellers? Hint: the busiest agents often are the most efficient!!!
6. Is your license in good standing? You could check an agent’s certification yourself with your state’s Department of Real Estate. Many states provide this information online.
7. How many years of education and experience do you have? Experience and continuing education typically make for better agents. (And it doesn’t hurt to ask if they own their own home.
8. Are you also a broker and/or a Realtor or an agent?
9. Can you provide me with the names and phone numbers of past clients who have agreed to be references? Insights from past customers can help you learn more about an agent and give you a greater comfort level.

Picking a real estate pro is a very key decision in the home-buying or selling process and We really want to see you do it right. There are so many great real estate professionals out there willing to work hard for you, in the city you live in and that is so very important, so consider the advice above as you make your selection in your community.