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Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Real Estate Broker or Real Estate Agent

By Jolon Ruch

Real Estate Agent with Main Street Group at Keller Williams Preferred Realty

April 27, 2009 04:09 PM

This is your home and may very well be your most valuable asset. In this market and economic times, it is worth your time to do your due dilengence. It could also help to make your decision an easier one by asking the real estate brokers you are interviewing a few questions.

Are you a REALTOR? (Stand by a Code of Ethics) You want a REALTOR, a licensed broker with the State of Colorado that is a member of a REALTOR Association and took an oath to stand by a Code of Ethics, holding him or her to the highest standards and care.
How long have you been in business? Experience may matter to you.
How long have you lived in the area? Do you want someone that knows the area, the neighborhoods, the nearest shopping center, schools, community centers, history and more?
How does your service differ from other realtors? It may be important for you to know that the broker does more than put a sign in the yard.
Do you have a back up person if you are not available? Even brokers need a day off to run errands, a vacation to rejuvenate and sometimes have emergencies, we're human! Does your broker have someone to help you on those days?
What is your average number of annual transactions? If you believe experience equals knowledge, this is valuable information.
Are you full time or part time? Knowing if your broker is involved in real estate as a professional career or as a hobby may be important to you; this is your valuable asset and you may require an agent or broker that is involved full time.
Do you have designations? Is it important to you that your broker cares enough about you that they took time to increase their knowledge through education? All with the intent of being able to serve you well and be the best they can be. Are they taking their real estate career seriously?
Do you have a presence on the internet? This is huge! Statistics tell us that 87% of the buyers and sellers look on the internet before buyer or selling. In Colorado, those statistics could be higher. Having a strong internet presence should be "a must" for you.
Do you have a web site? Again, website is internet exposure. Check out the brokers personal and company website. It may help you if you "Google" the brokers you are interviewing?
Do you have a customer care person or transaction coordinator? It may be of value to know that you are getting personal attention while your broker/agent is out working hard to sell your property or find you a new home.