Why you should interview your Real Estate Agent

Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial transactions you make in life. With so much at stake, it's essential to have a good agent by your side. Unfortunately, not all real estate agents are created equal, so finding the right Realtor to guide you through the process can make all the difference. That’s why it’s essential to interview your potential agent before hiring them.

To a seller, a good agent can help you price your home correctly, market it effectively, and negotiate the best possible deal. They should have a plan for pricing, staging, marketing, and advertising your home to make it more attractive to buyers. They should have a deep understanding of the local market and be able to provide you with a comparative market analysis to help you price your home correctly. And if they really know your market, they can help with suggesting the right updates necessary to meet the specific goals you have for selling.

To a buyer, a good agent will listen to your needs and preferences to identify the best options within your budget and help you set proper expectations based on a comprehensive market analysis of the area you are interested in. They will help you prepare and negotiate a winning offer and guide you through the entire buying process through closing on your new home!

When interviewing potential agents, here are some great questions to ask:

1. What is your experience with buyers or sellers in my neighborhood?

Your real estate agent should be knowledgeable about specific neighborhoods of interest. Communities differ in terms of what types of homes buyers want, features that sell and can vary widely by just one street!

2. Do you work with buyers or sellers?

A Realtor who works with both buyers and sellers could be very knowledgeable about both sides of the transaction and offer valuable insight.

3. How will you communicate with me, and how often?

Poor communication is one of the most common complaints people have when they have a bad experience with an agent. Real estate moves fast, waiting 2 days to respond to an email or text is unacceptable.

4. What is your marketing strategy for selling my home?

Simply listing a home in MLS is not a marketing strategy! Ask for examples of other homes they have sold and what they did to sell that home.

5. What price should I list my home for? Explain your strategy.

Beware of the agent who gives you the highest price. Some agents will do this to gain a listing, but your house can sit on the market and eventually sell for less than it would have if it had been priced correctly.

6. Are you a full-time or part-time agent? What is your availability?

A full-time Realtor’s attention is on real estate, market conditions, and trends — all of which are dynamic factors which can shift weekly. They are more likely to be able to dedicate the necessary time and effort to work for you than someone who is pursuing real estate on the side.

7. How many clients do you have right now?

Here, you’re looking for balance. A Realtor who only works with one person at a time probably doesn’t have a great track record for sales. Meanwhile, an agent who works with 50 people at a time may not be able to provide you with much personal attention.

8. What qualities or certifications set you apart from other agents?

Real estate professionals have to take additional specialized training in order to obtain these distinctions. Designations and certifications help define the special skills that an agent can apply to your particular real estate needs.

9. Can you provide references from past clients?

One effective way to gauge a Realtor’s true worth is to seek out reviews from their former clients. By listening to their firsthand accounts, you can gain valuable insight into the quality of service provided

These questions will help you to determine an agent's level of experience, expertise, and professionalism, and if they are the right person to ensure you meet your specific needs in buying or selling a home. With the right agent by your side, you can be confident you made informed decisions and got the best possible outcome for your transaction.