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Questions to ask your real estate agent

By
Real Estate Agent with Nesbitt Realty at Condo Alexandria 0225-089134

Real estate agents are licensed real estate professionals. The Commonwealth of Virginia requires that licenses be posted in a prominent place in the office of the real estate broker. If you don’t see that license, ask if the agent is licensed and ask if the license is current. Agents also carry a license on their person.

Agents are required to train and take courses, so ask about your agent about their training, and about what resources they use to locate either properties for sale or prospective buyers. If you are buying or selling a home, make sure the real estate agent has access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). The MLS charges agents a pretty hefty monthly fee and believe it or not some agents let their access to the MLS lapse. Make sure your agent has full access to the MLS.

If you are selling property, ask your realtor to provide you with prices of comparable properties sold in your area so you can be sure you are listing your property for a fair and reasonable price. This is called a Comparative Market Analysis or CMA. A CMA can help you and your agent determine how long it takes the agent on average to sell property. This can also help point to the best marketing plan for selling your property.

Buyers should ask about the type of properties the agent specializes in, condos, commercial, townhouses, luxury, area, etc. Also as a buyer you should provide the agent any additional information about things like local schools and community information.

Buying and selling property can be simple with the help of a good real estate agency. Spend the time to find the right real estate agency for your needs.

We appreciate the opportunity to show what we can do for your business. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for you.

Comments (9)

Gwen Banta
Sotheby's International Realty - Los Angeles, CA

Will, I wish all buyers would read this. I am always amazed at how many choose their best friend who is newly licensed, has never sold a property, and who lives across town in another neighborhood!

Sep 18, 2015 05:24 AM
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

In California they issue a plastic ID that you are licensed and put it in the wallet.

I need to find my ID. Not aware anyone shows to others as proof.

 

Sam Shueh

Sep 18, 2015 05:26 AM
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

One should ask how many similar properties the agent has sold/bought asking local questions. Like Gwen Banta says most real estates are sold by someone 1, 2, or even 3 counties away...... and they are not accessible or have a FT job.

Sep 18, 2015 05:28 AM
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

Will Nesbitt,  What great suggestions for the general public to interview a prospective REALTOR.

Sep 18, 2015 01:54 PM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

This is a great post for sellers to read. Nice work on this one, Will. 

Sep 18, 2015 03:44 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

All sage advice Will.  I am totally curious as an approximate amount of your MLS fees?  high for brokerages or agents?  They are fairly cheap here for agents (Less than $30/mo for key and access), brokers pay a lot more.

Sep 18, 2015 04:20 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Will good advice as to disclosures, that is the reason you have been around so long....knowledge is power...Endre

Sep 18, 2015 04:35 PM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

These are great questions that should be asked prior to selecting a Realtor, Will

Sep 18, 2015 09:13 PM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Yes, Will points out what questions to ask your Realtor, but most important is to HIRE one and don't try and do it on your own...

Sep 20, 2015 10:35 PM