Hiring a Realtor? Ask them these important questions!!

Here are 12 questions that we find very important when interviewing a Real Estate Agent. Here at the Steve and Venus Team, our clients are out number one priority.

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1.       How many years of experience do you have?
   Generally speaking, experienced agents make better agents! When interviewing your agent, look for one who has a minimum of five years’ experience in your area market. It is also important that you check their experience with similar properties to yours in price, size and style. An agent who is experienced in selling Denver area mansions may not be the best agent for selling your small starter home.
   
   
2.       Do you hold any special accreditations?
   Every legitimate agent should be licensed with their state regulatory board. Just like any other profession, some agents choose to expand their education and earn special accredidations like property management or buyer representation. About 50% of all licensed agents belong to the National Association of Realtors – advanced designations are not deal-breakers, but they do signal commitment to the profession.
   
   
3.        How many homes did you close last year?
   The Denver Metro Area agent with a superb sales record is very likely an expert with a high profile in the local market. Who wouldn’t want to hire a driven, marketing machine? Just make sure they are committed to a high level of customer service. You want someone to hold your hand during this process – not pass your off to their assistant.
   
   
4.        How many homes did you close in my neighborhood?
   Real estate markets are very local. A house could be worth $200,000, but two streets over where the highway is, a house could be values at $160,000. A good agent is active in their local market, and keeps up with all the metrics that could determine a home’s value.
   
   
5.        How many days does it take you to sell the average home?
   Whoever you interview should be able and willing to reveal how long their average listing sits on the market, and how it compares to the market of the homes area.
   
   
6.        What percentage of your homes sell at the full asking price? How close to the initial asking prices were the final sale prices of the homes you sold?
   This questions lets you know how skilled the agent is at valuing a home. If the price is too high, it will sit on the market forever. If the price is too low, it will go fast and you will be out thousands of dollars.
   
   
7.        Will I be working with you directly, or passed to a teammate?
   Real Estate Teams are a growing popularity – they allow for people with different skill sets to work together for their clients. A strong team allows the agent to focus solely on marketing and selling your home, while the team handles the back end of the sale.
   
   
8.        Do you work full-time or part-time as an agent?
   You can win or lose your dream home in a matter of seconds. Go with a full-time agent who has the means to give you their 100% best.
   
   
9.        Do you own your home?
   Unsurprisingly, over 80% of real estate professionals own their own home. Agents that have been through the buying process are more likely to empathize and watch out for your worries.
   
   
10.       How will you market my home?
    Nobody wants an agent who uploads bad photos of your home and crosses their fingers for a sale. Great agents have aggressive and multi-level marketing strategies to pull in buyers. Press for details. Many great agents will come to a listing appointment with a marketing presentation ready to show you.
    
    
11.       How often will I hear from you?
    Pick an agent who will understand your lifestyle. Do you prefer emails or phone calls to keep in contact with your Realtor? Do you expect constant updates, or ok with being on a need-to-know basis?
    
    
12.       Why should I hire you?
    You don’t just want the basics from a Real Estate Agent. What you want to hear is, what makes this person stand out from the other agents? If the agent can’t sell themselves, what are the chances that they will sell your home? Hmmm…

Looking to purchase a Denver Area Home? Contact the Steve and Venus Team today!

Thinking of selling your Colorado home? Find out your home’s value HERE!

There are many agents out there, find out why the Steve and Venus Team are the agents for you!