Have you ever wondered what are the top 5 questions to ask a realtor? You’ve taken the time to compile a list of agents that you will be interviewing in order to assist you in selling your home. So now is the time to ask the right questions. I have compiled a list of questions that I have been asked from my clients while being interviewed to list their homes. Any consumer looking to buy and sell a home must ask the following questions to their realtor.
1. Are you a full time or part time agent?
When making the decision to buy or sell a home, you want to work with a realtor that is full time. They will give you all of their time and attention as opposed to an agent who sells real estate on occasion. A part time agent typically has another job and various commitments that come before real estate. Your home is the biggest investment you will ever make. A full time agent who trades in real estate is better equipped at handling the minor details and intriciacies of the transaction.
2. How will you market the sale of my home?
Gone are the days where you just sell a house by putting a “for sale” sign on the front lawn. The majority of consumers start searching for their homes online. Therefore, a strong online presence is required. In addition, a successful marketing plan should include professional photos of the home, open houses, advertising, flyer distribution throughout the neighborhood ,website and internet marketing, targeted direct mail campaigns, and proper home staging. Furthermore, social media websites aid in marketing the sale of the property at top dollar.
3. Have you ever sold a house in my area?
There is no better feeling in the world than hiring an agent that is known in the area. The agent who is familiar with your area may know that there is a certain way to market homes in your area that an agent from somewhere else wouldn’t know. The agent that lives and works in the area is better equipped to sell homes more effectively because he knows the surrounding areas such as local schools, churches, public transportation etc.
4. What do you charge for commission?
You get what you pay for? An agent that charges a full rate of 5% commission will do a better job of selling your home at top dollar. This agent will use endless marketing tools to sell your home and will host open houses to get you a private buyer. On the other hand, if you decide to negotiate a lower commission rate, this agent may not do a good job at selling your home. This agent will only negotiate offers for you. And that’s about it! So you decide!
5. Do your listings sell?
Ask your agent what their list-to-sale ratio is? Agents with a higher ratio are better equipped at pricing houses correctly and therefore can predict the market much better. You want an agent that is successful is selling a home that they are marketing.
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