Smart customers always take time to chat with potential real estate agents, rather than just hiring the first one they meet. It's important to share your goals and hopes with every Realtor® from the start. While you're asking the agent questions, they should feel free to ask you some too. You wouldn't just pick any random agent; the best agents are often those who are selective about their clients. You can have a friendly chat with the agent over a phone call or arrange a meeting at their office. But remember, it's best not to invite them to your home. Also, it's good to be considerate and keep your questions to just the most important ones, respecting their time. With that in mind, here are the top 5 most essential questions to ask real estate agents.
1. What kind of Experience Do You Have?
Choosing a new real estate agent can actually be a great choice! These agents often have more availability to focus on your specific needs. However, there are a few things to consider when working with a newer agent. One important question to ask is if they're juggling another job along with their real estate duties. If that's the case, it might affect the amount of time they can devote to your property needs. Also, it's a good idea to check if they have a seasoned mentor guiding them through potential challenges they might face. Real estate agents learn a lot from hands-on experience, so the more deals an agent has under their belt, the more knowledgeable they are. Plus, agents have the opportunity to gain more skills by attending various certification programs, workshops, and courses. So, don't hesitate to ask if they've taken advantage of these learning opportunities!
2. Do you have References?
The need for references is something we all share, and if someone isn't keen to provide them, it could be a gentle red flag. Even someone new to the real estate game should be able to share references from past employers. If you're chatting with a more seasoned agent, don't hesitate to ask if they could share some references from previous clients. Sometimes, a very experienced real estate agent might feel a bit uneasy if you ask for references. But don't worry, you can usually find plenty of references and testimonials for these well-seasoned agents online.
3. what is your commission rate?
Every Realtor® lovingly dedicates their time to serve their clients, whether they're buying, selling, or both. They typically ask for a modest service fee ranging from 1-4% from each party involved. In our friendly local market, it's common practice for the seller to handle all service fees, usually around 6-7%. Our top-notch agents are firm believers in their value, offering round-the-clock services to exceed client expectations, which makes their time incredibly valuable. This often leads to the best outcomes for their selling clients and the greatest savings or early-bird opportunities for their buying clients. As the popular saying goes, the value of your real estate agent shines through in their service fees.
4. What Makes You Different from Other Agents?
A good agent will be full of confidence and won't be shaken when asked this question. We all have different expectations and values, so it's important to find an agent who respects and matches your personal beliefs. Some agents may tell you they're great at negotiating, reliable, trustworthy, or easy to reach by text and so on. But at the end of the day, it's all about finding an agent who has the qualities you truly appreciate.
5. Are You Intending to Assist Me in Locating Other Professionals?
Your Realtor® is there to support you and should be able to provide a list of professionals like home inspectors, title companies, and mortgage brokers that they personally recommend. Feel free to ask them why they prefer these particular professionals. If you see the word "affiliated" in the list, don't worry, but do be a bit more careful. This could mean that the agent and broker might get a small reward if you decide to go with the professional's services. You could potentially pay a bit more for these services, so it's a good idea to do your own research and see what the usual costs are for these services.
