Ask Your Real Estate Agent These Questions, Too.
After you have determined the basics about a potential real estate agent, as covered in my previous blog, Questions to as a Real Estate Agent, it is time to delve deeper in how this agent works. Consider asking these questions:
What are the top three things that separate you from your competition? Good agents will welcome this question. They will fire off reasons why they are best suited to serve you and what they are do that others can’t or won’t.
Everyone has their own standards, but most consumers say they are looking for realtors who say they are:
- Honest and trustworthy
- Assertive
- Excellent negotiators
- Available by phone and/or email
- Good communicators
- Friendly
- Analytical
- Able to maintain a good sense of humor under trying circumstances
May I review documents beforehand that I will be required to sign? A truly professional real estate agent will make forms available to you in advance, before you are required to sign them. Ask to review these documents upfront:
- Agency Disclosure
- Listing Agreement
- Seller Disclosures
Will you help me to find other essential professionals? Your agent should be able to direct you to vendors, such as handymen, electricians, heating and air conditioning specialists, title/escrow companies, and the like. Have the real estate agent explain to you with whom he or she works and why these individuals were chosen. Ask for an explanation if you see the term “affiliated” in the name of some their chosen vendors. This could mean that the agent and his or her broker are receiving compensation from a vendor and you could end up paying a premium for the service.
What is your best marketing strategy for my property? Specifically, how will you sell my home? How will you assist me to present my home to potential buyers? Find out what marketing tools the agent uses, including:
- What is your direct mail campaign strategy?
- How will you market to potential buyers?
- How will you market to other real estate professionals?
- How do you market online?
