Buying or selling a home is an enormous financial endeavor. A home is most people's largest investment, and it is so important to pick a top performing, experienced agent that will work with you to maximize your financial position, and eliminate the headaches that can associate with a house sale. Are all agents the same, certainly not! Some agents are dabblers, they don't work in real estate as a full time profession. Some don't know the contracts as well as they should, and that effects YOU! Is that who you want to handle this transaction, one of the most important sales you will ever experience? Any good agent will encourage you to interview 3 agents before committing to one, and when you do decide on that agent, stick with them! That agent will be your partner, and will know your situation inside and out. Why do good agents recommend you interview other agents? They may because they know you will clearly see big differences in knowledge, marketing expertise, and plans to get the job done! Here are a few questions you can ask your potential Realtor partner!
- Do you personally answer all phone calls on the property?
- Can we cancel the listing if we're not happy?
- 87% of buyers are searching online for their home. May I see your personal Internet web site? Not the company website, YOUR website! (this gives you an idea of how tech-savvy your agent will be…and that is important to capture today's buyer leads)
- What systems do you have in place that will keep you in constant contact with me during the listing and the transaction?
- Are you a Full Time agent?
- Do you do Virtual Tours on ALL your listings?
- What is your average market time vs. other agents' average market time?
- How many pictures do you put on REALTOR.com (Largest real estate website in the U.S.?)
- 87% of Buyers are seraching online. Tell me about the internet marketing you do?
- I want to give my home the advantage of the latest marketing strategies. How much time & money do you invest each month in professional training?
- Can you give me a list of your clients who have closed escrow and can I call them?
- Why are you personally motivated to sell my house?
- Why should I list with you rather than any other agent who is calling?
I hope this will help you get started. Of course, I really hope you give ME the opportunity to answer these questions!
