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11 Important Questions To Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Working With Them
Buying or selling a home is a huge, and often costly, process. The rules, laws, guidelines and stages can be confusing to the layperson, so it’s necessary to engage a real estate agent to help educate you and negotiate the deal. If you don’t already have one you know and trust, getting to know a new one can bring anxiety as you face down the monumental task of buying or selling a home. To help you choose this partner with confidence, we recommend these as the most important questions to ask a real estate agent before working with them.
Quesitons for Buyers and Sellers To Ask:
Regardless of whether you’re buying or selling, there are some general questions you can ask an agent.
Do you have any referrals from previous clients?
Referrals are helpful, Reed said, because “contacting one or more of these suggestions will assist you in better understanding the agent’s strengths as well as potential limitations. While you may also want to read over an agent’s web reviews, an in-person conversation will likely net you the most accurate picture.
What do you charge and how do you get paid?
The last thing anyone wants is discounted service. Listing agents typically spend more than Buyers agents and those expenses tend to add up. marketing expenses usually include photographs Marketing materials and advertising. Unless you are dealing with the actual agency owner, it is unlikely the individual agent will have the authority to alter brokerage policy. while there isn't a set commission schedule, residential sales typically charge 6% which is divided between buyers agent and sellers agent and divided yet again with their respective brokers. You can, in a sellers market (depends on the complications) ask for a half a point on the buyers side.
What is your preferred communication method?
Communication is always key in any negotiation. According to Gina Baker, real estate analyst at Fit Small Business, “You should be communicating with your agent continuously throughout the process, so know how they like to communicate and tell them how you ideally would like to communicate.”
What will the closing process look like?
The homebuying process can be difficult to understand, Heck said, “because there are multiple moving parts on the path from locking a loan to closing on a home.” Your agent should know everything about the closing process, the legal requirements and documentation involved and remind you of any responsibilities or due dates to adhere to so that you can close on time. “Your mortgage provider can also be of great help here.”
What lender or broker should I use?
Look to your real estate agent for tips on a good lender or mortgage broker, as well. Just be aware that it’s illegal for your agent to earn any incentives from brokers or lenders, or force you to use a specific mortgage provider, so whoever they recommend will often be someone they have a history of working with in their area.
Questions for Buyers To Ask
Buyers, specifically, should ask these questions before picking an agent.
How does the buying process work?
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, the answer to this question will let you know if your real estate agent can educate you properly on the process. If you’re an experienced buyer, it will let you know if the agent has similar knowledge as you, can add to your already established knowledge, and how they like to work the buying process.”
What is your process in finding clients a home?
this question helps you see what the agent’s plan will be to help you buy a home, such as how many properties they intend to show you, when they are available to show properties, and what paperwork they need from you to start the process.
You want to make sure your agent is going to invest enough time and effort into your search that makes you feel valued as a client,.
How familiar are you with the area I’m intending to buy?
It’s necessary for your agent to be knowledgeable about the location(s) where you’re looking for your new home, because every market has its own unique quirks and demands.
Questions for Sellers To Ask
These are important questions for a seller to ask.
How does the selling process work?
“Every agent does things a bit differently so it’s important to know what your agent is intending to do throughout the process as well as how and when you’ll need to be involved.
How many sellers have you worked with and what was your experience with them?
Knowing your agent’s track record helps you to see if they’ve had success selling properties in the past, Baker explained. “Selling your home can be an arduous task so knowing that your agent has experience can be comforting. If they have not had extensive experience, that’s okay, as long as they’re working with experienced agents, a coach, or a team that can assist them during the process.”
What are your marketing strategies?
Your agent has to do some marketing to attract clients to your home in order to sell it. Find out what listing websites they advertise on, what digital and print marketing strategies they utilize and any other marketing channels. When your agent attracts a more targeted audience to your home, the easier it will be to sell it.
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