Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, it is important to consider hiring a real estate agent to help you with the ins-and-outs of the entire process. Having a good real estate agent on your side can make a deal happen, but if you find yourself with an agent who is not good, then you may be out of a deal. Before hiring a real estate agent, there are several questions you will need to ask to make sure that he or she will be the best agent for you. You want to familiarize yourself with each real estate agent candidate. Find out important things like sales numbers and tools they will use to help you. Also, find out things that are just for your benefit like the agent’s communication styles. This is a list of those questions and tip on how to find a great real estate agent.
- Question 1: How long have you worked in real estate?
It is important to know how long your real estate agent has been in the real estate business. Find out if they were (or still are) full time or part time agents. Look for agents that have experience of more than a year. Keep in mind that experience does not ensure ability, but that most of what your agent knows will be from experience while on the job.
- Question 2: Do you utilize the MLS?
The MLS is the Multiple Listing Service. It allows agents to retrieve information on houses represented by, not just their own company, but all agencies. If you are buying, this means you will have more options in your searching, and may even find a better deal. If you are selling, the MLS is helpful because your home will be found on the MLS, and more people will find it.
- Question 3: What is your work schedule?
Knowing you real estate agents schedule is especially important. Buying and selling a home can be an intricate process, and you will want to know when you can reach your agent. It is also important because most open houses take place on weekends. You will definitely want an agent that can work your open house if you’re selling.
- Question 4: Are you familiar with the community?
While the question of whether an agent is familiar with a community sounds silly, it actually makes a difference. It is so important for an agent to be fully aware of communities they are servicing. Agents should be able to tell you price ranges of areas and what you can expect to find in certain places.
- Question 5: How many houses have you sold?
This question almost goes hand-in-hand with the question on experience; however, if an agent has been in real estate for quite some time and has a low number of sales, this is a good indicator that the agent may not be able to help you. Keep in mind that at this time numbers may be lower than expected due to market activity.
- Will you show houses not listed with your agency?
Some agents are partial to their own agency. We can’t blame them, but as a buyer, you want to see all of the options available that matches your search criteria. Sometimes, the best options are those listed with other agencies.
- How do you prefer to work and communicate?
The answer to this question is up to your preference. If you prefer communicating primary via email, then you would probably look for an agent who prefers the same. If you prefer telephone calls, seek an agent who does as well. Most agents will communicate in ways preferred by the client, but you still should make sure.
P. Downing enjoys writing about books, television like DirectSatTV , and real estate.
Authors bio is coming up shortly.
