Interviewing agents? Selling your home? Here is some knowledgeable information.

Interviewing agents? Selling your home? Here is some knowledgeable information.

If your thinking about selling your home, you should consider using the services of a real estate broker or agent. Before you sign a listing contract you should do your homework and be fully informed about your choices.

Interview several real estate real estate brokers/agents to learn about their experience, track record, style, and market knowledge. Expect a broker to be professional: to return phone calls, to be organized, and to communicate clearly.

Some questions to ask should be as follows.

Ask what the current market conditions are like.

Ask for a full comprehensive market evaluation.
The market analysis should list recently sold homes in your area that are similar to yours as well as homes that are under contract. The report will include actively listed and available properties. This evaluation can also list homes that have failed to sell. The evaluation will list the number of day's each property was actively listed for sale. Keep in mind no two homes are exactly the same.

Ask the Realtor to give you a full written closing cost statement. This is based on the future sale price of your home and will be a approximate statement. The figures will still give you a pretty good idea of what your net figures will be.

What is the rate of their commission? How and when is it paid.

Ask for detailed marketing plan.

Can they show you a resume or brochure highlighting their achievements?

Ask about their web presence. Where their office and listings can be found on the internet.

Ask the broker to talk about their industry track record. How many years have they been actively involved full time in the Real Estate business?

Ask to see credentials, evidence of qualification.

Ask if the agent or their broker holds specific Real Estate designations.

Ask if they have received awards for salesmanship.
Top producer awards?

Ask them if they would return your calls after business hours if needed.

Does the agent also have an active fully equipped home or virtual office?

Are they willing to give you their home office and cell phone numbers?

Can they provide you with past client and customer testimonials and or references?

Is the agent your interviewing willing or able to work on Sundays and week nights?

Can the agent be present for the home inspection? Appraisal? Closing?

You should never let anyone into your home without an appointment. Ask the Realtor you are interviewing how appointments are handled. How are they set up and scheduled?

Ask the agent how feedback is given to you after showings.

Choose a Realtor who will take the time to guide you every step of the way through your transaction.

Choose to work with a Realtor who is detail oriented. Look for a Realtor with excellent communication skills.

Selling Real Estate involves a lot of paperwork.
When you choose to hire the Realtor you want to make sure they clearly and completely explain all the forms and documents to you.

Ask the Realtor to talk about the use of lock boxes. Ask if the agent can fully explain how they work. Ask the agent if they know how the showing information is stored and where they can read the data. Ask the agent if they can quickly obtain one if needed.

Choose an agent that is committed to getting the job done right.

Make sure you keep copies of everything you sign for future reference.


Arlene Trunzo, Licensed Real Estate Broker
A.T. Real Estate Specialists
Staten Island, NY Realtor
cmyrealtor@aol.com
718-317-0949 (Office)
917-359-1985 (Cell)

atrealestatespecialists.com