Thinking about buying or selling a home? If you have done this before you have likely encountered real estate agents. If your experience was positive with a competent and personable agent, that is splendid. Call them again if they are local!
If you have never done this before, you did not have the best experience the first time , or you are re-locating to a new area and your previous agent resides elsewhere, you should then consider interviewing several agents. A little time spent on this end may save you many hours of unhappiness through the rest of your experience.
Interviewing the Agent
First off, be clear and up front with the agent that you are ‘interviewing’ several agents to determine the best agent for you. This is not so unusual and if the agent is reluctant, then you already have part of your answers.
- You and your partner (if any) should sit down and make a list of specific questions you want clear answers to. Have that list with you at the interview.
- Set an appointment with the agent. Was the agent prompt, and if late by more than just a few moments did they call to let you know of the delay?
- If you are selling, expect that the agent should be bringing materials to demonstrate past successful sales for you to look at. Even a first time agent should have a marketing strategy ‘packet’ for you to browse.
- If you are buying and have given them some background they should have some potential listings for you to browse. See if the listings are all just their own or if there is a broad spectrum across all available listings.
- Is the agent a Realtor®? An agent is bound by the laws of the state and county. A Realtor® has gone the extra step of making a personal commitment to an ethical and professional standard that is held nationwide in addition to the local laws and standards of practice.
Making the Choice
If you were upfront with the agents at the start then making the choice and letting the other agents know should not be an ordeal. It is considered polite and courteous to let the other agents know for certain as soon as you choose. This will allow an agent to allocate time to other projects. This is part of the process and the agents who are not selected will be made far less unhappy by prompt news than the ‘wait and wonder’. Not getting the client is something that all real estate professionals deal with daily, it is rarely devastating.
Choosing an agent you ‘click’ with is going to make your sale or home search much more pleasant. It is worth the extra effort when you move into your new home.
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