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When Selecting an agent you want to be sure
that you will be happy with them. After each interview you should ask
yourself:
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Did you feel that the agent is
trustworthy and honest?
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Did he/she seem realistic when
talking about your home or your anticipated home purchase?
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Did you communicate well with the
agent? Were you "on the same page?"
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Would you describe him/her as
committed, motivated, and experienced?
Questions to ask the Realtor:
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If I list my house with you, can you represent
me in the purchase of my next home?
You'll want your
agent to fully explain the concept of agency and how it works in your
state. An individual working as a seller's (listing) agent in one
transaction can usually become that client's buyer's agent for the
next home purchase. Be sure to ask what limitations, if any, your
representation will have.
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What distinguishes your real estate company
from its competitors?
Is a company large because it re-invests
in innovation? Or has it remained a "boutique," believing
that its personalized services attract clients? Each organization
should have a business philosophy that's clearly understood by its
agents.
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What distinguishes your personal service
from other real estate agents'?
A recent study showed that
unreturned phone calls from their agent was the #1 complaint among
home buyers and sellers. Listen to how prospective agents describe
their communication skills.
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Working with me as a buyer, how will you
help me narrow my choices?
A good real estate agent will
first expand your choices, making you fully aware of what your home-buying
dollar will buy in various communities. Then s/he'll help you separate
good options from those that are less-than-optimal, educating you
on the features and benefits of specific homes and their neighborhoods.
It's a "getting to know you" process that's both art and
science, and the best selling agents do it very well.
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What advice can you offer that's unique
to my situation?
Are you settling into the family homestead,
or expecting be transferred in two years? Your unique circumstances
will prompt discussion; your agent should be able to counsel you on
the specifics.
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Why should I confine myself to working with
just one agent?
If you don't have an exclusive agency agreement
with your agent, you're not legally obligated to work only with him/her
to find your next home. It may, however, greatly benefit you to do
so. Listen to your prospective agents' philosophies on this point,
and determine what's best for you.
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What happens when they are not available?
What should you do if your agent is on a weekend vacation, and the
Sunday classifieds feature an open house that just calls out to you?
If you visit without your agent, will it mean that s/he can't represent
you in the eventual sale? Be sure to understand how prospective agents
handle even brief periods in which they're unavailable.
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