So when you’ve decided to sell your home. Congratulations on your achievement! Now all you have to do is find the right real estate agent to assist you in getting the most money out of your deal. It’s difficult to know how to pick the best realtor to sell your home because there are so many choices.
Is it time to embark on the next adventure? You have to sell up emotionally attached pieces of stuff occasionally, whether you’re moving for work, starting a family, or finally accepting the sea shift.
Selling a house can be a stressful experience. It can also be confusing if you haven’t done it before. And, since it’s normally your most valuable asset, you don’t want to make a mistake that might cost you thousands of dollars.
Contacting different agents to get a sense of how they function to see if they fit what you’re looking for is the best way to determine.
When you consult with estate agents, here is a list of questions to ask.
#Question 1. Have you been in real estate for a long time?
Given that your home is definitely your most valuable asset, you’ll want someone with enough expertise and knowledge of the industry to ensure that all of the important details are handled correctly. Someone with experience in the industry and knowledge of the competition would be the best candidate for the role.
#Question 2. Is there anybody else on your team?
Agents who work as part of a larger team can delegate the sale to someone else. Make sure you know who you’ll be working with and what each team member’s job is from the start.
#Question 3. Do you have any consumer testimonials or reviews?
A reputable real estate agent would have satisfied former clients and will gladly share their positive experiences with you. Inquire for testimonials, or look up feedback on sites like Rate My Agent.
#Question 4. Do you work as a real estate agent full-time or part-time?
Full-time agents are more likely to devote more time and energy to you (and other potential home buyers).
#Question 5. In the last year or two, how many homes have you sold in my neighborhood?
You want someone who has a track record in your area and, ideally, in your price range. If you live in a city with a variety of property types (e.g., co-op, condo), inquire about their experience selling what you have.
The more statistics and data the agent can share (houses sold, rates, average selling to list price ratio, average days on market, etc.), the more confident they are in their ability to sell your home.
#Question 6. In what value shares did they fall?
Knowing how much other assets in an agent’s portfolio have sold for can help you estimate how much yours could sell for. However, keep in mind that prices vary widely depending on the property and its venue, so it’s best to compare similar homes.
#Question 7. How many sellers do you currently represent?
This, according to others, can be used in two ways. A busy agent may be overworked, whereas a vacant agent may have more time to sell your house. A busy agent is what you want. Is it possible that the wisdom of the crowd is at work?
#Question 8. Which aspects of the transaction will you manage yourself, and which will you assign to others?
Don’t let the fact that most agents delegate be an obstacle. However, you want to know how much time and involvement your agent has put in during the operation.
This query would also assess the agent’s understanding of the operation, which includes marketing/advertising/signage, open houses, price and conditions negotiations, buyer qualification, contract agreement, title, home inspections, and closing.
#Question 9. Is it possible to negotiate the fees?
Leave if they say no. Both real estate commissions are negotiable. From a flat fee to a typical percentage of the purchase price, there are several options. Business models are still changing. If you’re a creative type with a compensation suggestion, run it by the agent. You could even come up with a new way to do business.
#Question 10. In today’s market, what do you think my house would sell for? And why is that?
This will give you an idea of the agent’s business experience and thought process when it comes to pricing your house, which is the most important decision you’ll have to make.
In giving you an answer, an experienced Realtor would look at recent market data, the current pool of comparable homes on the market, as well as the condition and of your house. Make sure the “sellable” is taken into account. Also, if they solely depend on some other computer-generated home value.
#Question 11. Can you provide me with a written CMA as well as a list of homes that are currently for sale?
A written comparative market analysis (CMA) should be provided by all agents. The report’s level of detail (or lack thereof) can reveal a lot about the agent and their business experience. If you see any shoddy comps, keep your calm and ask the agent why so-and-house so’s is comparable. Their response will be eye-opening.
#Question 12. What are your marketing and promotional strategy for my home?
A combination of online and offline marketing can hit a wider range of customers. Be aware of the type and volume of ads, as well as any open houses. Professionals are divided on the subject of open houses, with many believing that they do not generate customers. At the very least, there should be an open house for other brokers, especially buyers’ brokers.
The more pictures a listing has, the more interest it will get. Inquire about the number of people who will be taken and who will be taking them. It is preferable to hire a professional photographer.
The question of whether the video is needed for a listing to sell is still being debated. A professional videographer’s video of your home and/or neighborhood, makes your home stand out from the rest. And, it indicates an agent who is aware of current events and emerging technologies.
Request samples of marketing materials. It’s a given that all agents can list your home in the local MLS and on their website (if they have one). You’re curious as to what more will be done. Compare it to other agents’ marketing plans and materials.
#Question 13. How long do I have to keep my house on the market with you?
Most consumer analysts recommend a three-month or shorter listing period. In this business, that might not be enough time to assess your agent’s skills, but the listing agreement can still be renewed. The term is less relevant if you have the option to cancel the listing agreement (if you are dissatisfied with the agent).
#Question 14. How long have you worked as a real estate agent and what kind of training have you received?
An agent with at least four years of experience, in my opinion, demonstrates a commitment to the profession and enough opportunity to gain a strong understanding of the industry. In terms of education, agents are required by law to take courses to maintain their license, so search for education that goes beyond and beyond their minimum requirements. An experienced and well-educated agent is worth their weight in gold.
#Question 15. Is your real estate license current, and have you ever had a client complaint against you?
There are websites where you can search for a real estate agent’s license. Request that the agent provides it to you.
#Question 16. Is it possible for you to provide me with the names and phone numbers of previous clients as references?
Inquire whether any of the references are related to you. Examine the sources.
#Question 17. Do you use stagers or will you stage my home yourself?
Your home must be dressed to sell in this market. Home staging is a must, in my opinion. Taking a listing and marketing it is one thing; selling it is another. Enquire with the agent about ways to increase the salability of your home; it will most likely include your kitchen and baths, which are the most common areas of buyer interest and provide the best return on investment (ROI).
#Question 18. How often can you contact me?
Your Realtor can interact with you regularly, keeping you informed of any new knowledge or concerns. All deals must be communicated to you. If you have a query or problem, they should have email and be reachable most of the time. When they are unavailable, inquire.
#Question 19. Why should I recruit you instead of one of your competitors?
The agent should be able to react quickly. The majority of customers want a real estate agent who is:
- Sincere
- In-depth knowledge of the local sector
- Outstanding negotiators
- I am easily accessible by phone or e-mail.
- Effective communicators
- Calls or emails are returned promptly.
- Analytical friendliness
- Obtaining positive outcomes
#Question 20. Is it possible for me to see the papers I’ll have to sign?
Of necessity, the listing agreement and sales contract should be included. If the listing agreement does not include a termination clause, inquire about the possibility of canceling if you are dissatisfied with the services.
The length of the listing agreement is irrelevant if you have the right to cancel at any time. If you don’t understand anything, read all of the documents and ask questions. Listing agreements come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Highly advocate having it checked by an attorney, as with any legal document. Certain agents’ listing agreements should be compared.
#Question 21. What are my closing costs going to be?
Always feel that this helps sellers gain a better understanding of the phase. Furthermore, And comprehension alleviates anxiety.
#Question 22. Could you please describe the procedure to me?
This will explain all of the steps involved in selling a home and why having an agent on your side is so important.
#Question 23. Do you have a blog and/or a website?
Almost every agent has a website. It’s worth a look to get a sense of the agent and the business. Don’t hold it against them if they don’t have a blog. Visit their blog and read their posts and comments if they have one. You’ll learn a lot about the agent’s personality and local knowledge, among other things.
#Question 24. What haven’t I inquired about that I require?
This catch-all will help you avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.
#Question 25. How can you keep me informed about the sale’s progress?
A good agent will be totally open with you and keep you informed at all times during your property selling campaign. They should be able to communicate with you in a variety of ways (face to face, calls, SMS, email), and some might even have an online forum where you can check on buyer interest at any time.
Conclusion
Knowing the right questions to ask will help you find the best real estate agent for the job and sell your home for the most money. Always keep in mind that a successful real estate agent is someone you can trust and who works for you.
