Questions to ask when hiring a real estate agent
The 5 most common questions to ask when hiring a REALTOR!
Selecting a real estate agent to help with the largest financial transaction a person will ever make is a critical part of the home selling process. In a challenging economic environment where competition among real estate companies is on the rise, choosing the right agent for you can be a confusing task.
Home sellers should start by interviewing multiple real estate agents to find someone to “hook up” with, however, chemistry isn’t the only variable to consider. The length of time an agent has been in business, the success rate of your home sale, and knowledge of the local market can also play a role in the decision-making process.
To get the conversation started, try asking these five essential questions home sellers should ask before selecting a REALTOR to represent them.
1. How long have you been in the real estate business and what has been your success rate in terms of home sales in the last 12 months? The length of time a real estate representative has been in business and his success rate in selling homes demonstrates his knowledge and experience in the industry. Ideally, a home seller will want to work with an agent who has a high percentage of completed transactions within their home’s price range.
2. What was the average amount of time it took to sell those listings? Comparing times to market between the agents you are interviewing will give you an indication of how well that agent markets homes.
3. What was your list price to selling price ratio? Significant differences between the original listing prices and the final sales prices may be an indication that the listing prices originally quoted were unrealistic.
4. What is your online marketing plan to sell my property? In Canada, the vast majority of home buyers start their home search online. Therefore, the one you select to help you sell your home should have a strong online marketing presence and be visible through social media to reach the widest possible audience. Before or after you meet with the candidate, do a quick Google search for the agent’s name, company name, and see what you find. PRO TIP: If you don’t find much information, how do you expect buyers to find and locate your home when it’s actively on the market?
5. Do you have references you can share from previous clients? References allow you to obtain additional information about the real estate agent’s daily work. Gathering reputable references will help ensure you select the best real estate agent for your needs.
PRO TIP: Selecting an agent with a strong online presence is highly recommended, and it’s crucial to check that agent’s online reputation and reviews. Do a quick Google search for Online Reviews “agents name”, Do they have a Google Local listing, Facebook Business Page Reviews, etc.