Information is often the key to a successful home purchase. You can find helpful tips and real estate information on websites like ours, but it’s always a good idea to sit down with a real estate agent and ask questions. Here’s a list of important questions to add to your interview check list.
? How long have you been a real estate agent?
While years in the business of helping buyers with their real estate purchases doesn’t automatically guarantee a perfect match, this question will help you build a foundation for questions that follow. It will also give you an idea of how well they’ve navigated the various real estate market ups and downs. For a real estate agent to have long-term success, they would need to provide excellent client services and be able to work through hurdles that many agents face.
? How many clients do you have right now?
You want to make sure that the real estate agent you choose as enough time to manage your transaction with care, giving you the attention that is deserved. Keep in mind that a high volume of clients doesn’t mean you won’t receive the proper attention. If you’re concerned about the number of clients, ask the real estate agent how they plan to manage the home buying process. Some real estate agents are highly skilled at scheduling and often have other associates to help them with different tasks along the way.
? How often will I hear from you?
It’s important that you and the real estate agent you choose communicate in a way that makes sense for your schedule and needs. If you prefer to be texted or emailed, this would be a good time for you to discuss this with the agent. If touching base several times a week is important to your peace of mind, you want a real estate agent who can make that happen. You also want to choose an agent that you get along with on a broad scale. You’ll be working with this person closely throughout the home buying process, and you don’t want to feel uncomfortable if you want to ask questions or express concerns.
? Do you work with buyers and sellers?
This is an important question to sort out several different things. You want to know if the real estate agent represents both or just buyers. If you’re working with a real estate team, you may find that they are specific agents that work with buyers and ones that work with sellers. An agent that works with both may have an advantage because they understand how sellers think and may be able to offer valuable insight. However, it’s best to have a real estate agent who doesn’t represent both the seller and the buyer in the same sale.
? Can you help me find vendors?
During the home buying process, you may need the service of a lender, inspector, title company, or staging professional. Some real estate agents develop professional connections with specialized vendors in the area. Ask the real estate agent if they have a preferred list that they share with home buyers. Keep in mind that you are free to choose whatever vendor you wish to do the work, and the real estate agent can only offer a recommended source.
? Do you have references or reviews I can check?
Nothing speaks to the character and service of a real estate agent quite the way a past client does. While you should check any references and review sources the real estate agent provides, it’s a good idea to do a search online to cover the bases when it comes to research.
❓ Is there anything you want to ask me?
Not all real estate agents are created equally. You want a real estate agent who genuinely cares about your needs and your comfort during the home buying process. Pay attention to the questions the real estate agent asks as a good way to gauge just how interested they are in providing excellent client care. There’s more to buying a home than making sure it has enough garage spaces and the right number of bedrooms. Your real estate agent should care about your goals and what motivates you to buy a home at this time. They should want to understand what is most important to you when it comes to a home and the entire experience.
