10 Questions to ask a Realtor

Make sure your agent is right for you!
Selling your home is an important step.  Should you sell your home yourself or should you have a "professional" do it?  I often ask myself a similar question when it comes to plumbing, electrical, or construction projects around the house.  When I ask myself those questions it is usually about saving money, those are hard costs and easy to put my hands on, and then it's just a matter of time vs. labor costs.  In selling a home it is a little bit different, in that there is another dynamic involved, increased revenue.  Could I obtain more for my home and in a shorter timeframe if it were marketed professionally?  Could I find that perfect house for my investment if I had someone else looking?  In most cases the bottom-line return is greater if I have my property professionally marketed and, I have none of the hassles.  The same is true if I am looking for a property.  Still it is important that I optimize my return by selecting the proper professional.  Here are a few questions that can help you select the correct agent for you:

10 Questions to ask a Realtor.....

  • What is your guarantee? - What will you do to sell my property or find me a potential property?
  • Can we cancel the listing if we're not happy? - There is nothing worse than an unhappy customer.  Satisfaction should be priority #1.  Selling or buying real estate is a traumatic process, but that stress should be alleviated by your agent.  That is one of the things they are paid for.
  • May I see your Internet web site?  - There are still some people, a majority, that do not have Internet access, but the use of the web for a new home search is becoming extremely popular.  An agent should be utilizing all tools possible to assist in your property sale or purchase.
     
  • What systems do you have in place that will keep you in constant contact with me during the listing and the transaction? - Do you have e-mail, fax, home, and cell contacts that we can utilize?  Real Estate is not a 9 - 5 endeavor, most transactions occur outside this timeframe.
     
  • Are you fully automated with your own personal computer, FAX machine, copier, pager, voice mail, etc.?
     
  • What is your average market time vs. other agents' average market time?
     
  • 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? - Review an agents testimonials.  Also, ask for additional clients to speak with.
     
  • Why are you personally motivated to sell my house? - This is key!  You can determine an agents passion.  Are they as excited about your property as you?
     
  • Why should I list with you rather than any other agent who is calling? - This is another key question!  What separates an agent from their competitors?

Make sure you have the right Realtor!

Prepared by:  Re/Max Home & Ranch - 303-646-9000