When you begin looking for an agent to work with on the sale (or purchase) of your home, there is no better place to start than with personal recommendations from friends and family members that you know well and trust. Testimonials are so valuable and I love getting feedback from people I work with and sharing them with new clients. Still, I wouldn’t enter into a business agreement with someone without asking them a few important questions to determine that they are the best person for the job, and neither should you! A bit of research is always a good idea. Here are 8 questions that you should ask a potential agent before hiring them:
How long have you been in the real estate business?
Length of time navigating the market does add up to experience and you want to find someone who is well-versed in selling homes but also fresh, up-to-date on trends, knowledgeable about the city and its many neighbourhoods and genuinely excited to be doing what they do.
How many houses have you listed and sold this year?
Some incredibly talented agents only work part time, but sell every single property that they list. Some agents work non-stop but struggle with closing actual sales. Find an agent that will dedicate themselves entirely to your property and commit to doing whatever takes to satisfy your needs.
How often will we communicate and when and how can you be reached?
Real estate doesn’t usually happen on a 9 – 5pm schedule! Make sure the agent that you choose to work with will get back to you quickly and be available when you need them most. Also ask about how they communicate—can you text? Phone? Email? Find someone that works they way that suits you and your preferences.
What do you think my home is worth?
An experienced agent will be able to give you an accurate valuation of your property based on real market value and comprehensive research. The best agent is not always the one that gives you the highest number! Pay attention to the strategy and reasoning they put behind their estimated price.
What will you do to market my property?
Marketing strategies are crucial and a good agent will be able to tell you what has worked for them recently and what they think the right move is for your specific property. Ask if they’ll take photos or videos, ask about open houses and offer strategies. They should also be able to give you a
What do I need to do to my home before we list it for sale?
An experienced agent will have a good idea of any repairs and improvements you need to make before you list. The best agents will not hold back from speaking truthfully about any investment you need to make in your home before putting your house on the market for fear of scaring you off. Straight talk up front is something to look for and appreciate!
What sets you apart from other agents in the city?
There are a lot of us out there! The agent you work with should be able to tell you why she is a good fit for you and for your specific property.
Do you have any references I can speak to?
Reading testimonials is one thing, and you should definitely do it, but you should also ask for at least one or two references that you can speak to directly before hiring an agent. A reputable agent will be happy and excited to provide you with references from happy clients.
I’d be happy to talk to you about how we could work together and am always open to answering any and all questions that you might have for me. Want to chat? Contact me today.
