Whether you're a buyer or a seller, there are key aspects to consider when selecting the right agent for you.
1. How long have you had your real estate license?
This question will give you a sense of how experienced your agent is. Experience matters — you wouldn't hire a new surgeon to perform surgery on your body. Don't hire a new agent to perform financial surgery with your largest financial asse
2. Do you work full-time or part-time?
Understanding the agent's commitment level is crucial. Do you want to have to wait for your agent to get off work at their 'day job' to call you back? Working with an agent for whom real estate is a full-time career is important so you get the time and experience you need for a successful transaction.
3. Do you work with both buyers and sellers?
Agents specializing in both roles offer a broader understanding of negotiation strategies, providing you with a more comprehensive perspective.
4. What’s the ratio of buyers to sellers with your clients?
Depending on whether you want the agent to help you buy or sell, you might prefer one that leans more toward your side of the deal.
5. How many homes do you sell annually?
You want to know how many clients your agent works with to gauge their experience level.
6. In which geographic areas do you specialize?
Real estate is a hyperlocal business, and not every agent is going to be the best fit for helping buyers or sellers in every neighborhood. Ask them where they work!
7. Do you specialize in certain types of properties?
Some agents specialize in working with waterfront homes and all that those transactions entail, while others might be downtown condo specialists, farm and ranch specialists, etc. Ensure the agent you're working with has the experience to sell all types of properties.
8. Have you helped buyers find homes at my price range? How many in the past year?
In a market where there isn’t much inventory, it’s wise to ask your agent exactly how successful they’ve been at helping people like you find and buy a house, and how frequently they’ve managed to achieve that success.
9. How many homes do you help buyers purchase every year?
Slightly different than the previous question, this one digs into an agent’s buyer negotiation skills and experience.
10. How many clients do you have right now?
A busy agent is probably very good at their job, so it’s a fantastic sign when lots of people want to work with them. At the same time, you also want to make sure your agent will have ample time to help you! Ask them how many listings and buyer clients they have to get a sense for the level of effort involved.
11. How long do you usually work with clients like me?
This is a good question for both buyers and sellers; it can set your expectations around how long it will take to buy a house (or sell one).
12. How are you helping buyers compete in this market?
When there are more buyers looking for a house than there are homes for sale on the market, buying a house can be a daunting and unpleasant challenge. Ask agents what they can help you do to gain an edge and get your dream house.
13. How will you assist me in finding a house?
Delving into an agent's approach to helping buyers find their ideal home ensures alignment with your preferences and needs.
14. How will you help my offer stand out?
A multiple-offer situation is wonderful for sellers, but less so for buyers. You will want to know how you can write an offer the seller will accept.
15. Do you personally accompany buyers to showings or do you have a team who helps you?
Clarifying the level of personal involvement in showings helps set expectations for the buyer-agent relationship.
16. How would you guide me through a potential bidding war?
This question is valuable for both buyers and sellers, ensuring you're prepared for competitive scenarios.
17. How do you assist sellers in listing homes in this market?
Even in a hot market, understanding an agent's strategies for maximizing listing exposure is essential.
18. What listing price would you recommend if my timing isn't urgent?
When interviewing a listing agent, understanding the potential returns on your property is crucial for making informed decisions.
19. Tell me your reasoning for the price you've recommended
This question ensures you have a comprehensive understanding of the agent's pricing strategy based on market comparables.
20. What things could I do to the property to increase my list price?
Experienced agents can offer insights into optimizing your property's value, providing valuable suggestions for getting your house ready to generate top dollar.
21. What marketing plan can I expect for my house?
Ensuring your property receives maximum exposure through a well-thought-out marketing plan is crucial for achieving the best possible price.
22. Will you represent the other party as well?
Inquiring about potential dual agency situations ensures transparency and clarity regarding the agent's fiduciary responsibilities.
23. How are you paid?
Understanding the agent's compensation model, whether a flat fee or commission, ensures transparency and alignment with your financial expectations.
24. Can you provide references?
Hearing from past satisfied clients can offer valuable insights into the agent's competence and client satisfaction.
25. Do you work solo or as part of a team?
Understanding an agent's business structure helps clarify the dynamics of your interaction and responsibilities within a team setting.
26. What is the best way to contact you?
Establishing communication preferences ensures efficient and timely interactions, particularly in urgent situations.
27. When are you typically available?
Knowing the agent's availability helps manage expectations regarding response times and communication during various stages of the process.
28. Why should I choose to work with you?
This question encourages the agent to highlight their unique strengths and attributes, helping you understand what sets them apart in the real estate landscape.
