So, you have been looking online, at Open Houses or just thinking about getting a Realtor to represent you in your home sale or purchase. Now, you are ready and want someone to represent you in perhaps the largest financial (and one of the most personal) transactions you will ever undertake. Where do you start?
Online and in-person, you will find many great Realtors and SOME that might not be a good fit with you or your needs. Look to real estate company websites and individual Realtor websites, local advertising and word-of-mouth (referrals) for those that might serve your needs. Then what? Interview them. And keep in mind that they will be interviewing you as well. Any Realtor worth their weight in gold will know their business, what works for them and might work for you, and will not take up your and their valuable time if they determine your relationship will not be a good fit. So, interview them. What are the top ten questions to ask?
1. What is your formal training beyond the required pre and post licensing classes. Do you have additional designations - the letters behind their names? Such as ABR, SRES, GRI, ABR.
2. What is your system of working with clients? How systematic are you to help me sell or buy my home in the least amount of time with the least amount of work?
3. How long, on average, does it take for you to sell or buy a house for someone?
4. What are your areas of expertise, both in type of home and in areas/locations?
5. What technology do you use? This will tell you how advanced they are in their tools. Those more advanced have an edge on the competition.
6. How many homes, on average, do you show a buyer before they buy? This will tell you two things - 1. How well they listen and know what you want. and 2. How well they know their market.
7. What do you think is the most important item in buyer or seller-Realtor relationships? This will give you a good hint as to what they value in the overal process to bring you success.
8. So, what is going on in the market? See how well they know their area.
9. What happens once the transaction is over? You want to see is they "move on" to their next transaction, or "stick around" to make sure that you settle in well in your home and they are there in the future should you need any assistance whatsoever, and there when you may decide to sell your home.
10. What is your guarantee of working with me? Find out what their stated and written policy is on a guarantee that their work with you go well - and should it not - or your needs change - are you able to step out of the relationship temporarily or permanently. A good Realtor gives a good guarantee to buy you a house or sell your house effectively and efficiently!
This should help you on your way to finding a GREAT REALTOR to represent you in your important transaction of buying or selling your next home! Comments ehre are welcome! Have a great day!
Ken
703.981.4646
www.KenCourtade.com
KenCourtade@gmail.com
Ken Courtade, Yes I Ken!, ABR, GRI, CRS, Keller Williams Realty, Arlington, VA, Northern Virginia, MD, DC
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