The list of questions on how to choose or interview a Real Estate Agent has been around forever. Some give you 10 reasons, some 99 and everything in between. The most common list I have seen is below:
- How long have you been selling real estate?
- How many homes have you sold this year? Your career?
- What is your average sales price?
- What are your average days on the market?
- Do you have support staff?
- Will I be dealing with you or your team?
- What is the length of your listing agreement?
- How much is your commission?
- Do you have a list of satisfied clients I can call?
- What are my options if I am unhappy with your services?
My suggestion for a revised list is below. Try not to ask them any question they can answer in one or two words or anything they could have memorized. Ask questions that require them to elaborate, think on their feet. You will learn a lot about their communication skills. You WANT/NEED a STRONG communicator!
Why should I hire you? (wait for their answer)
Tell me about your marketing plan? (wait for their answer) You might be surprised to know how many agents can't tell you what they do (SPECIFICALLY). Maybe they don't have a Marketing Plan at all. Maybe they are just telling you what they think you want to hear.
How are the current market conditions affecting your business? (wait for their answer. Are they beat up? Are they optimistic? Remember - their perception is their REALITY. If they BELIEVE the market STINKS, it does - FOR THEM. If they BELIEVE the market is FABULOUS, it is - FOR THEM)
What is it about my house, my area or my situation that makes you believe you will be successful in selling it? (wait for their answer)
How often should I expect to hear from you & by what method? (You want to know if they have a schedule or plan for communicating with you)
What questions haven't I asked that I should have? (BEWARE of agents that tell you they only offer their opinion when asked. As a Seller, you don't know what you don't know. That is why you hire an agent to help you navigate the process)!
This is not intended to be a complete list. There are a number of other questions you can ask. Based on the answers to the questions above, you should have a fairly good idea if you even want to continue the interview. Do not choose an agent simply because they gave you the LOWEST commission or the HIGHEST estimated value for your home. This RARELY works in your favor.
NOTE: The amount of commission an agent charges is irrelevant unless they accomplish your goals. Focus on YOUR bottom line & don't get hung up on the commission you pay. Good things are rarely cheap & cheap things are rarely good!
You can ask some of the questions in the original list. But remember - most of those stats can be manipulated. Ask questions that allow you an opportunity to really hear the agent sell themselves. If they can't sell themselves, chances are they won't be able to sell your home either. That doesn't mean you won't eventually end up with an escrow... it just means someone else SOLD it.
I believe that hiring the RIGHT agent for the job of selling your home is 90% of the battle. The RIGHT agent won't let you leave the home in poor condition, price it too high or create unfavorable showing conditions. The RIGHT agent will properly prepare you for what you need to know & will not tell you want to hear.
P.S. The list of satisfied clients is honestly a waste of time. No one is going to give you the name & numbers of clients that were disgusted with the services they provided.
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