Before you hire a real estate agent, take the time to review the best questions to ask.
The U.S. has over 1.5 million realtors who work as real estate agents and brokers. If you're in the market to buy a home, you'll need to work with one of these realtors.
Your friends, family members, and neighbors may give you referrals, or you can do your research to find the best realtor. However, you should know the critical questions to ask your realtor before bringing them on board.
Asking the questions will be the only way you'll ensure that you find the best realtor in town to help you get the best deal on your next home. Here are the questions to ask your realtor to ensure that they're the right one for the job.
Do You Have a Real Estate License?
When finding a realtor, your question should be whether they have a valid and current real estate license. A real estate agent must have a license to help people buy, sell, or lease properties.
Asking for a license is the only way to ensure that you work with an accredited or trained professional. A reputable agent won't hesitate to show you their current license.
How Long Have You Been Working as a Realtor?
This question will help you gauge the real estate agent's experience. You want to work with someone who has several years of experience since they know the ins and outs of the business. A newer realtor may be less expensive, but they may not have the experience or knowledge to get you the best deal when buying a home.
An experienced realtor knows the neighborhood where you're looking to buy a home and can negotiate the best price. They'll focus on getting you a home that matches your needs while you think about other important things like making your next home pet-friendly.
If you're a home buyer, an experienced real estate agent will make finding a home a breeze since they know the market and the best locations.
Do You Have Any Referrals?
If an agent is good at their job, they should have no problem providing you with referrals. These are people who have worked with the agent in the past and can attest to their services. The best realtors will have a list of former clients that you can contact and ask a few questions.
Avoid realtors who refuse to provide referrals or have a bad reputation. You can find out about an agent's reputation by doing a simple Google search for their name. You should also read online reviews to see what other people are saying about the agent.
How Can I Contact You?
You should have several ways to contact your realtor. Ask them to provide you with their email address, phone number, and social media information. You should be able to reach them at any time of day or night if you have questions or want to view a property.
Your realtor should also respond to your questions and concerns on time. If they don't respond to your emails or phone calls, they're not the right realtor for you. Focus on choosing a realtor who will be available when you need them.
How Much Do You Charge?
The fee structure will vary depending on the realtor. Some agents may charge a flat fee while others work on commission. You should ask your agent how they're paid to know what to expect.
You should also find out if there are any additional fees, you'll be responsible for paying. For example, some realtors may charge a consultation fee. Be sure to ask about all costs upfront, so there are no surprises later.
A good agent will be upfront about their fees and won't try to hide anything from you. Avoid agents who are vague about their fees or try to avoid answering this question altogether. Such agents may leave you with little money to invest in boosting your new home's curb appeal.
What's the Process for Buying a Home?
If you're buying a home, you should learn about the process, so you know what to expect. A good realtor will walk you through each step to ensure you're prepared.
Your realtor should also explain the buyers' market to you. This is essential information to know as it will help you confirm that you're getting the best deal on a home.
This question will also help you see whether the realtor has experience. If they can't explain the process or don't know what the buyers' market is, they're not the right realtor for you.
Do You Have the Relevant Professionals in Your Network?
A good realtor will have a network of professionals that they can recommend. These may include mortgage brokers, professional movers, home inspectors, and home stagers.
Find a realtor who can give you the name and contact information of a handy worker who'll fix your roof if there's an emergency. If you're looking for a particular professional, ask the agent if they know anyone who can help you. A good agent will be able to find the right person for the job.
How Many Clients Are You Working with Currently?
You want a realtor who has the time to focus on your needs. Avoid agents who are juggling too many clients. They may not be able to give you the attention that you deserve.
A good agent will have the time to show you homes, answer your questions, and help you find the right property. If an agent is too busy, they may not be able to provide you with the level of service that you need.
If you still want to work with a busy realtor, focus on finding a realtor with a team of professionals. You'll still have someone to help you even if the agent is busy.
Know the Right Questions to Ask Your Realtor
These are just a few questions to ask your realtor before you trust them to find your next home. Be sure to find an agent you're comfortable working with and who will be available when you need them. Also, ensure that the agent is experienced and has a good reputation.
If your realtor has found a new home for you, it'll be best to trust pros to help you with the moving process. Our team at College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving is ready to help. Contact us today to get the moving process started.