Know Thy Realtor

Never has it been more important to know your REALTOR's qualifications and to remember you are hiring thim/her to take care of your most important transaction.  Most employers will tell you they hire based on two things; (i) qualifications (ii) fit with the company.  Why wouldn't you do the same thing? Hire someone based on their qualifications and what they can do to help you accomplish your goals, and someone you "click" with. Here are some interview questions to get you started:

Interview questions for your REALTOR^®

§         What is your marketing plan to sell my house?  Will there be ads in the paper, open houses, mailings, internet advertising?  (THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION!)

§         What is your experience in working with seniors?  What services can you offer that are different than what other agents might offer me?

§         What steps will you take to make sure the buyer is qualified? How will you make sure we close on time?

§         How often can I expect communication from you about the progress of selling my home?  What kind of regular reports will you provide to me?

§         How can I present my home in the very best light to potential buyers when they come to look at it?  What kinds of improvements will you suggest I make to my home? Will you help me stage my home?

§         Can you provide me with referrals to professionals who can help me with the above mentioned improvements?  Can you provide me with a referral for someone who can help me with moving?

§         Do you have references?

§         How do you get paid? (Real estate agents are used to discussing commission and should be willing to describe to you how they get paid). 

§         You’ll also want to understand how much commission the buyer’s agent will get for your property as well.  After all, that is an incentive for them to bring buyers to look at your home!

§         Do you work full-time? Do you work by yourself or with a team? Who is my contact person?

§         What will my expenses be to sell my house?  What will be my “net” after selling my home?

§         What course of action should I take if there is something with which I’m not satisfied?

Never has it been more important to know your REALTOR's qualifications and to remember you are hiring thim/her to take care of your most important transaction.  Most employers will tell you they hire based on two things; (i) qualifications (ii) fit with the company.  Why wouldn't you do the same thing? Hire someone based on their qualifications and what they can do to help you accomplish your goals, and someone you "click" with. Here are some interview questions to get you started:

Interview questions for your REALTOR^®

§         What is your marketing plan to sell my house?  Will there be ads in the paper, open houses, mailings, internet advertising?  (THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION!)

§         What is your experience in working with seniors?  What services can you offer that are different than what other agents might offer me?

§         What steps will you take to make sure the buyer is qualified? How will you make sure we close on time?

§         How often can I expect communication from you about the progress of selling my home?  What kind of regular reports will you provide to me?

§         How can I present my home in the very best light to potential buyers when they come to look at it?  What kinds of improvements will you suggest I make to my home? Will you help me stage my home?

§         Can you provide me with referrals to professionals who can help me with the above mentioned improvements?  Can you provide me with a referral for someone who can help me with moving?

§         Do you have references?

§         How do you get paid? (Real estate agents are used to discussing commission and should be willing to describe to you how they get paid). 

§         You’ll also want to understand how much commission the buyer’s agent will get for your property as well.  After all, that is an incentive for them to bring buyers to look at your home!

§         Do you work full-time? Do you work by yourself or with a team? Who is my contact person?

§         What will my expenses be to sell my house?  What will be my “net” after selling my home?

§         What course of action should I take if there is something with which I’m not satisfied?