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Buying a home is definitely one of the most important decisions we make. Your real estate agent will play a big role in the process, and can definitely ensure that it is a smooth and pleasant experience. They will be responsible for many moving parts both during your search and after you find the property of your dreams. Asking the right questions , before deciding who you are hiring is an essential part of the process.
Here are 7 questions you should ask your real estate agent before you start working with them in your home search.
1.What experience do you have in real estate?
Asking this question can give you a better understanding of the level of expertise they can offer you and how well they know the local real estate market. Having an experienced agent on your side will be invaluable when it comes to navigating the complexities of real estate transactions. An experienced real estate agent can provide advice on market conditions, help you determine your budget, and guide you through the negotiation process. Ultimately, having a real estate agent with extensive experience can make the home buying or selling process easier and more successful.
2. Can you provide client references?
I think this is definitely the most important question to ask. When people are truly happy with the service provided by their agent, they will rave about it on social media, Zillow, or Google reviews. Some past clients might even be happy to answer the phone to tell you about their experience. Asking your agent for past references will give you insight into their past work performance. Having references will help you get a better understanding of their level of expertise, customer service, and overall success in the real estate industry. Additionally, it can provide you with the assurance that your agent is knowledgeable and trustworthy. You are going to want an agent by your side who takes great care of their clients.
3. How long have you been a real estate agent for?
Ok, so we all have to start somewhere. As an agent I am very grateful for the opportunities my first clients gave me. But in reality, experience is definitely your best friend in real estate. With so many moving parts in a real estate transaction, you are going to want someone who can successfully negotiate an offer on your behalf and guide you through the rest of the process.
4. How long do you usually work with buyers, from the moment they start they’re search all the way up to the closing table?
The average buyer takes 4-8 weeks to find the home of their dreams and 30-45 days thereafter to close on their home. If an agent is telling you that they usually work with buyers for longer than 5 months, that’s a red flag. Of course, there will be exceptions to that, but overall you’ll want to work with someone who’ll have you in your new home within 2-4 months. This question will also give you a good indication of the level of commitment and dedication your agent will have towards helping you find and purchase the perfect home. Knowing the timeline your agent usually works within, can also help you plan your own search effectively. You are going to want to have an idea of how long it may take for you to close on a home.
5. Are you a full-time or a part-time agent?
A full-time agent will be able to devote more time to you as a buyer. Asking this question will give you insight into their dedication to the job. A full-time agent is more likely to have more experience and be more knowledgeable about the local market, current trends, and even more specialized aspects of real estate. Part-time agents may not have the same level of expertise and may not be as available to answer questions or take action when you need them to. It’s important to have an agent who is knowledgeable and available to help you make the best decisions for your home buying process. Ultimately, in a fast-paced market like the one we are currently experiencing, you are going to want to work with an agent that is available to service your needs in a timely manner.
6. How do you help buyers compete in this market?
In a competitive market, you will need an agent who’s a fierce negotiator and who has your best interest as a priority. By asking this question, your agent can provide you with valuable insight and advice on the current market trends. They can help you understand the process of bidding and competing with other buyers, and provide you with strategies and advice to help you get the best deal. Make sure you also ask how many offers on average they submit in their client’s behalf before one gets accepted. This will give you great insight on whether their strategy is a highly successful one or not.
7. How do you ensure that buyers are getting the best possible deal?
This is one of the most important aspects of the home buying process. An agent’s expertise, experience, and knowledge of the local market can help buyers make sure that they are getting a fair deal. A good agent will be able to negotiate effectively on the buyer’s behalf and look out for their best interests. Additionally, an agent can provide useful advice on the best time to buy, the best ways to finance a home, and the best strategies for getting the best deal.
Summary:
Finally, the decision of which agent you will decide to hire to help you with your home search has to feel right from the beginning. By interviewing your prospective agent you will get an idea of whether your expectations and their initial presentation are a match. Ultimately, having an agent who is knowledgeable and experienced in the local market can help buyers make sure that they are getting the best possible deal, while making the process a seamless one from beginning to end.
Let’s get in touch so I can answer all your questions about the buying process.
