The home buying and selling processes can be challenging, but finding the right Realtor can make all the difference! It is very important to search for the Realtor that is the best fit for you. There are several methods of research you can do, including listening to family and friends’ recommendations, reading online reviews, and browsing through real estate websites. All of these are helpful, but meeting with a potential Realtor and asking questions will be the most effective method to find out if they’re the right Realtor for you.
Here are some great questions to ask when meeting a potential Realtor:
Do you have automated technology to e-mail me listings on a DAILY basis?
Because you don’t want to miss out on a great buy, it is critical that you are being provided with daily market updates. A good Realtor has invested in automated technology to keep you informed.
Can we cancel the Buyer Agency Agreement at any time WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED; if we are unhappy with the way things are going?
A good Realtor will keep to their word on what they agree to do. If they are not performing, you should not be obligated to continue with the relationship, period.
Do you communicate with e-mail, phone, text, etc?
Yes, this question sounds absolutely stupid but it’s absolutely true. Your Realtor should be equipped to communicate with you fast and efficiently. Phone tag is OUT and e-mail is in. Imagine waking up in the middle of the night with a burning question that you just want an answer to. With e-mail you have the opportunity to get it off your chest immediately and with a good Realtor your response should be answered in a timely manner.
Do you work with or research “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) properties?
When working with a buyer, it is not uncommon that a Realtor will avoid FSBOs like the plague. Why? They are afraid you will work with the seller directly and hence they would miss out on earning a commission. A good Realtor has experience in working with and negotiating on behalf of the buyer for their FSBO purchase.
Do you do this full-time or part time?
If the Realtor is “part-time” walk, no, run away as fast as you possibly can. Generally speaking, 52 people are involved in a real estate transaction from cradle to grave. You need a Realtor that can manage those relations, not limited to nights or weekends.
Have you ever had a grievance or complaint lodged against you with your local association or the State real estate department?
This is important to know. You want to be aware of your Realtor’s past records with their local association or State real estate department. You want to avoid working with someone who has a bad track record in real estate.
Besides negotiating a reduced price, what other items do you intend to negotiate on my behalf?
Your Realtor should be negotiating for you to keep appliances (such as refrigerators, washers, dryers); getting the seller to reimburse you for the appraisal fee; getting the seller to subsidize your loan closing costs (such as discount points or other fees); including a home warranty; and leasing back or “pre-possessing” the property prior to closing.
Looking for the right Realtor in Anchorage, AK? Lonnie Logan and Associates can help you sell or buy your Anchorage home!
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