Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Picking a realtor is like picking a best friend who is very knowledgeable in real estate.

When meeting or picking an agent, it's important that you mesh well with them! Yes, your relationship with your agent will be based on business, but make sure it's someone who will be there with you through thick and thin. A couple things to look for when talking with agents are honesty, their knowledge in real estate, accountability, responsiveness, helpfulness, full of advice and willing to take the time to go through things with you, their connections, and good intentions.

Some ways you can test their knowledge and see if you and an agent connect is asking a million questions! Here are some great ones to ask your potential agent.

#1 - What is your experience in the neighborhood or area?

#2 How do you plan to market the home and what is included in your services?

#3 Does this contract have a cancellation clause?

Some agents do not have this clause in their contracts with clients, so if clients become unhappy with their agent, they are not able to cancel. Some do however, in my opinion why would you want to force someone to work with you when they are unhappy.

#4 What are your contract requirements and details?

Also good to know the other terms of their contract with you, such as their commission.

#5 Who is the main point of contact and who will be handling most tasks?

Some agents work with a team and hand certain tasks off like showings, being there for inspections, etc. I personally work alone and attend all showings, closings and inspections myself, mostly because I want to make sure nothing gets missed and I enjoy being hands on. I like working with Beyond and still getting to collaborate with other agents, but like being the one attending to my clients needs.

#5 What kind of photographer will be taking photos of the house?

Super important if they are listing your home!

#6 Are they active on social media?

May seem like a weird question, but today this is huge for marketing.

#8 Check their referrals and reviews.

#9 How often are you available?

Good to know for showings and if you'd like to write a contract or have questions. You'd be sadly surprised of the number of agents I haven't been able to get ahold of for days or weeks.

#10 What are your fees or commission?

#11 What has gone wrong in deals, and how did you handle it?

This may give you an insight to their knowledge in real estate and how they handle chaos. #12 - #17 are also great ways to get a glimpse of their knowledge in the area and their profession.

#12 How will you help me to prepare to sell my home?

#13 What's happening in the area, how will it affect home prices?

#14 What are ways buyers stand out, and how can you help me do that?

#15 How can I increase the selling price of my home?

#16 How do I get my house ready for showings?

#17 What pitfalls or mistakes should I avoid in the buying or selling process?

#18 Are you a full time or part time agent?

Sometimes part time agents aren't as active and Intune with the market or trends, they could also be harder to get ahold of.

#19 Do you work with buyers and sellers?

Some agents only work with buyers or sellers, this is good to know as their knowledge might not be as detailed for the other.

After you've hired an agent - here are things you could ask to get more knowledge for the process.

- What other concessions should I ask for or make in this offer?

- How much earnest money is put down?

- What are closing costs?

- Ask them to run a CMA on a house you're interested in, that will help decide if you're paying good price for it.

- What offer would guarantee this house? What offer would be a good jumping-off point for negotiation?

- What happens if the inspector finds something?

- What happens if the house appraises under the offer price?

- When looking at houses - ask them what red flags they see.

"To give real service, you must add something that cannot be measured or bought with money and that is sincerity and integrity."

Every Agent is Different!

Just like every person is different, every agent is different in how they work and interact with clients.

And of course, since I'm a realtor, I'm always happy for people who name drop me and give me the chance to see if I would fit well as their agent :)