In this article, we’ve put together 10 essential questions you should ask when interviewing a potential real estate agent. Asking the right questions will help you gain insight into the agent’s personality, capabilities, and expertise so you can make the best choice before entrusting your home.
While having other affiliations is advantageous, it’s also helpful if the agent already has a few years of experience on their plate. This not only shows their dedication to the profession but also means they’ve had enough opportunity to understand and get a good sense of the market, especially in their local area.
Likewise, be curious about whether the agent works full-time or part-time. Selling your home is a full-time job, so you want them to be focused. A part-time real estate professional may not be able to give you ample time and attention and be unavailable when you need them most, especially if they are already handling multiple clients.
For instance, an agent with a small team means more resources and assistance, especially since there’ll be support staff working behind the scenes. This means your agent has more time to attend to your needs and accommodate you during showings. You should be informed beforehand about what aspects of the work the agent will handle personally and whether you’ll be in contact with the other team members or only your agent. This is so you won’t end up feeling like you are being passed off to someone else.
While there’s no magic number, be wary if they’re handling a ridiculously high number of clients. Remember that each client’s needs are different, so too many clients means their time and attention will be divided too thinly. In such cases, they might not take the time to ensure all of your needs are met. Working with an agent who’s difficult to reach or who’s constantly with other clients could lead to a frustrating experience for you, and could even have a negative impact on your home sale. This is why it’s necessary for your agent to understand your expectations of their involvement.
Rather than getting paid hourly or weekly fees, most real estate agents typically work and earn under split commission. The traditional rate is 6 percent in most cities, which is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. A good real estate agent must be able to justify his or her fee and break down what you’re going to get from him or her.
Other than the commission, don’t forget to discuss the agent’s cancellation policy. Ask what kind of early cancellation fees may apply to you just in case you become unhappy with the realtor somewhere down the road before the contract expires.
Make sure you tell your agent if you prefer texts or emails over phone calls, and vice versa. If they prefer email, you want to be assured that they reply in a timely fashion. Moreover, what will be the frequency of updates: will you get it weekly, or just on an as-needed basis? Find out what business hours they keep and if you can call them outside those hours just in case questions or concerns arise. These things can also be verified when you check their references and feedback from past clients.
