10 Questions To Ask Your Real Estate Agent
What’s better than a great property and a reasonable price? The answer is simple: a solid real estate agent! As guides in the real estate market, these professionals can turn a bad bargain good and a good bargain great. However, it’s not as simple as picking a realtor online. According to The Close, only 67% of all realtors are licensed as sales agents.
The last thing you want is to hire a real estate agent who looks good on paper, only to fall flat on your deals. The secret to finding that person lies in asking the right stuff.
Here are ten questions to ask your real estate agent and discover if they’re the real deal or not!
What to ask BEFORE hiring:
Before you even say yes to an agent, it’s important to know their value. Not all agents are equal, and even licensed ones can be ineffectual. That’s why you should know these questions to ask your real estate agent before you hire them!
1. How long have you been an agent?
The first of the following questions to ask your real estate agent is about their experience. Licensure is great, but it’s also important to know how much they’ve practiced. After all, you wouldn’t want to leave your precious investment to someone who’ll fumble the ball.
Beyond asking how long they’ve worked, there are other questions to ask your real estate agent about their experience. Look into their background and the kind of training they took. See what mentors they’ve had and how successful those people are. The more you understand your agent, the easier it’ll be to find the right pick.
2. Do you work with buyers?
At first, this question might seem obvious. A first-time homebuyer might scoff and say that all agents handle buyers. However, the answer is a double-edged sword: all agents do deal with buyers to some degree, but there’s a difference between talking to a buyer and negotiating for one. That’s why this is one of the most important questions to ask your real estate agent.
Simply put, buyers and sellers have different needs and priorities. A good real estate agent is one who can see your goals and help you achieve them. For a buyer, that means finding a worthwhile price for a house within the budget you have. Remember, you need the questions to ask your real estate agent to understand how well they can work. If your agent has helped first-time homebuyers or experienced investors, that’s even better!
3. Have you worked with people in this area?
Among the most crucial questions to ask your real estate agent is if they have worked in a certain area. The best kind of agents are those who know the lay of the land, both literally and figuratively. You’ll want a realtor that’s familiar with the area, from the neighborhood to the market prices. With hands-on knowledge and understanding, they can help you spot a good deal before someone else takes it.
4. Will I be working with you alone or with a team?
Dealing with an agent can be both exciting and challenging. Some people prefer a one-on-one partnership with their agent. Others prefer realtors with a supportive team or brokerage along for the ride. Either option works as long as the agent is effective and if it eases your worries. So, make sure that this is among the questions to ask your real estate agent.
Also, keep in mind that having a team doesn’t change the importance of your agent. That person is going to be the point person for all your real estate concerns. To that end, they must be always up to date with your situation or goals. By having these questions to ask your real estate agent, you can see if they are going to treat you well or not.
5. How does your commission work?
Like any business, a good agent is honest about their work and the commission they make. One of the questions to ask your real estate agent should be about their payment. Keep in mind that buyers don’t usually pay a commission fee for their agents. It can differ depending on the brokerage, though, so you need to clarify that concern.
6. How can I contact you?
According to the National Association of Realtors, 93% of agents prefer to communicate over text messages. With modern technology and apps like Messenger or Viber, it’s much easier to stay in touch. That’s why one of the most important questions to ask your real estate agent is about contact information. You have to be able to contact them for any concerns, be it about the property or the goal.
Another thing to remember is that you don’t need to settle for text messages. A good real estate agent is one who can accommodate your style of communication well. If that means face-to-face talks or phone calls, they must be fine with it. Make sure that part of your questions to ask your real estate agent includes their contact style. That way, you’ll feel more comfortable with how they answer you.
What to ask AFTER hiring:
Let’s assume that all the previous questions to ask your real estate agent have been answered. You finally found a competent and worthy realtor to help you achieve your homeownership dreams. So, what’s next? This is where crucial questions about the deal come in. Check out the following questions to ask your real estate agent once the buying process begins.
1. Why are they selling the property?
Buying a house goes deeper than looking at a pretty picture. Many households can hold secret problems that make them less valuable. Some owners may have unfair reasons for putting up their property for sale. To avoid a bad payment, one of the questions to ask your real estate agent is about the seller’s motives. This way, the agent can help you see if a house is going to be financially problematic or if it’s worth the cost.
2. Do you see any possible issues or concerns?
At first glance, each home you see might feel perfect and special. To a trained eye, however, it can be full of structural concerns or legal issues. One of the questions to ask your real estate agent must be about their opinion. Remember, these realtors have spent years looking at houses. They’ll be more likely to see if a place is worth its price or if there are problems to consider.
To make it easier, ensure that your agent knows your plans and objectives for a sale. Are you looking for an affordable price for a nice home? Are you okay with a fixer-upper to get into your ideal neighborhood? This way, you can quickly decide which questions to ask your real estate agent once you find a standout property. Their response to your specific concerns can help you find the right place to call your next home.
3. What is the neighborhood like?
When thinking of questions to ask your real estate agent, remember to include the neighborhood. A good house is one advantage, but to have it in a decent and safe area is crucial. You wouldn’t feel comfortable living in a mansion if it was in a place full of crime or trash, right? So, make sure your agent informs you of the local area and its landmarks. The key places to include in the questions to ask your real estate agent should be the following:
- Local schools
- Parks and recreational centers
- Grocery stores
- Banks
- Gas stations
- Office buildings (especially if you work in a specific area)
- Bus stations and train stations, and
- Hospitals
4. What should I bring to the closing?
Once you find the right place and settle all of the major concerns, it’s time to make the deal. Before you shake hands, however, you need to know what to bring. One of the key questions to ask your real estate agent is about the closing. You need to know the documents and procedures that come with it. This way, you can secure the house of your dreams without overlooking any important legal concerns or safety hazards. And the best one to help you determine that is a smart and competent agent.
Now that you know all the questions to ask your real estate agent, it’s time to get the right one. Start looking by reaching out to us here at Pacific Playa Realty! Our team cares about more than a good transaction; we also care about empowering our clients and teaching them all the right stuff. We provide you with comprehensive market analyses and educational resources to know all about real estate.
And the best part? We make sure to guide you every step of the way, from finding a house to closing a deal. You can use all the questions to ask your real estate agent, and you’ll quickly find that we got your back. So, If you want to stay informed about all the decisions you need to make, contact us today to start your homeownership journey right!
Article Sources :
Houwzer. (May 17, 2023). 15 Essential Questions to Ask a Realtor. Houwzer.
Gateway Bank Ltd. (August 26, 2020). Top 10 Questions to Ask your Real Estate Agent. Gateway Bank Ltd.
Garrett Callahan. (April 7th, 2023). Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent. HomeLight.
TJ Porter. (January 10, 2023). 12 questions to ask your Realtor. Bankrate.
Dan Rafter. (May 8, 2023). Top 20 Questions To Ask A REALTOR® When Buying Or Selling A House. Quicken Loans.
