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16 Questions to Ask When Shopping for a Real Estate Agent

By
Mortgage and Lending with Jamie Russen - Greentree Mortgage NMLS ID #95705

If you are looking to buy or sell a home, you'll probably want to not only find the best agent for your needs, but one with integrity and one that knows the ropes.  They don't have to be your best friend, but they should be someone that you genuinely like-because you'll be spending a lot of time with them. 

Start with recommendations from family and friends.  Ask what they liked about them.  What they didn't like.  And then take it one step further- spend about 30-45 minutes and ask them these questions!

  1. How long have you been in the Real Estate Business?
  2. Is it your full time job?
  3. What are your credentials?
  4. What other type of real estate training courses have you had?
  5. How many homes did you sell last year?
  6. How many home buyers did you represent last year?
  7. What is your average time to sell a home? ( if listing your home for sale )
  8. How do you plan to market my home for sale?
  9. What's the average time you spend with some one buying a home ( if buying )
  10. How close to the asking price, versus the sales price, are you able to negotiate( both for buyers and sellers)?
  11. Will you represent me exclusively ( if buying )?
  12. How many lenders do you work with?
  13. What other service providers do you work with?
  14. Do you get compensation when you refer them to me?
  15. How will communicate with me?
  16. How often should I expect to hear from you?

Just a couple of things to keep in mind! Experience is not a guarantee that the person is successful.  Ask additional questions if you don't understand the answers.  Ask for references.  Make the telephone calls.   And before you buy or sell your home, by all means get pre-approved ahead of time.

Corey Gray
Credit Assistance Network - Boca Raton, FL
CEO, Credit Assistance Network Inc.

Those are some great questions to ask Jamie, i would think most consumers just pick the first realtor they see in in a google search...

Jan 25, 2011 09:01 AM
Maureen Fukumoto
Help-U-Sell Realty Pro - Mililani, HI
Maureen

I think 15 & 16 are really critical. If the client doesn't ask, the agent should. Every client has their own style, some want to hear from you every other day others don't. Also important is to ask what type of communcation do they prefer, text, email, phone?

Jan 25, 2011 09:28 PM