8 Questions You Ask Before Hiring A Realtor
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a house, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is that realtor you hire. Before you actually meet someone in person to discuss your prospect property, you need to ask questions. There are dozens of questions you should ask a potential realtor before letting them sign on the dotted line. These questions will help you learn more about the person’s experience and knowledge, as well as determine if he or she is right for you. Here are eight questions you should ask before hiring a realtor:
First, ask about their experience. As a buyer or seller, you need to make sure that your realtor has a stellar track record. Ask for references or check with the local Better Business Bureau to find out how many complaints have been filed against a particular realtor in the past year. If you’re concerned about the quality of the Realtor’s work, ask him or her to provide you with examples of homes they sold or completed, and then visit the sites to see what work was done.
Second, ask about their education. A great realtor will be willing to show you examples of his or her education. Real estate agents take college courses and earn degrees. Real estate agents also attend seminars, work with professional organizations, and write articles and other documents on their craft. Be sure to ask whether an estate agent is a graduate of a real estate institute or other institution, what college he or she attended, and whether he or she earned a certification such as the National Association of Realtors’ Certified Realtor (CRA).
Third, ask whether or not a Realtor has ever gone to college. Go to your realtor’s website and see what types of degrees he or she holds. A realtor who has a Bachelor of Science in Business will be more qualified to sell homes than a Realtor who has a High School Diploma. Ask the realtor what college he or she majored in and what programs he or she completed. Also ask whether or not he or she went to college as an architecture student.
Fourth, ask whether or not the realtor has ever been a member of a homeowners association. Whether a realtor is a member of a homeowners association will give you some insight into his or her negotiating skills. For example, if the realtor does not negotiate effectively, he or she will likely not be successful at getting the best deal for you. On the other hand, if he or she negotiates skillfully and is able to get a reasonable rate, a homeowners association might not be the reason why.
Fifth, ask whether or not the realtor is willing to meet with you as part of the job. Some agents want to close the deal as quickly as possible; others will not entertain requests for further interviews. It is important to choose an estate agent who is willing to meet with you and discuss your needs. If the realtor does not agree to meet with you, look for someone else.
Sixth, ask yourself whether you and the real estate agent have the same type of goals. Real estate deals often hinge on the satisfaction of one party – you. An estate agent may be interested in selling you the home fast, but you may want more flexibility or time to spend with your family. Identify your needs so you can ask questions that help you reach a decision you both can agree on.
Finally, do not be afraid to ask questions about the fees the realtor charges you. When hiring a realtor, most agents will offer you a free consultation, so take advantage of this. However, you should know how much they charge in advance, because this can vary widely from one agent to another. These are some of the most important questions you ask before hiring a realtor.
