Finding a high-quality, experienced real estate agent is a lot like dating. You want to find someone who will complement you, provide for your needs, and ultimately help you succeed in your goals. Real estate is an extremely interpersonal industry and finding someone who you gel with is critical to the success and enjoyment of the transaction.
An agent who came highly recommended by a friend or loved one, might not be the right fit for you if your personality and goals are different. That’s why it’s important to interview prospective real estate agents to find the one that suits your needs and gives the best impression.
But where do you get started? Here are some essential questions to ask a real estate agent before you engage in their services:
Do You Have Experience in This Region?
No two towns are the same. Even in areas like the GTA, many outlying communities have different economic and lifestyle drivers that create nuance within the region. In most cases, real estate agents specialize in working in a specific area. For example, let’s consider Hamilton. When you’re working with an experienced Hamilton real estate agent, you are getting an agent who knows the ins and outs of the Hamilton market to a tee.
Now, if you were hoping to sell a detached home in Hamilton, you probably wouldn’t trust an agent from Toronto to get the job done. They won’t have the same insider knowledge and they won’t know the area as extensively as a local. Finding an agent who works locally in the area you are moving to and/or from is essential.
Interested in learning more about the Hamilton real estate market? Learn more about condos for sale in Hamilton here.
Do You Have Experience with the Type of Property I Am Interested In?
Similar to the previous question for real estate agents that we covered, it’s important to know if the agent is experienced in handling the type of property you are looking to buy or sell. Let’s consider a Toronto real estate agent who specializes in condo sales. You wouldn’t entrust them to sell your detached home in rural Hamilton if they don’t have the experience and knowledge that comes with that specific type of property.
This is one of the most important questions to ask a real estate agent when selling because working with an inexperienced agent could result in you leaving money on the table and not absolutely maximizing the profit of the sale.
Will I Work Directly With You?
Many agents work on medium-to-large teams with numerous other agents, client care specialists, marketing pros, and other real estate professionals. So there could possibly be times when the person you are dealing with is not necessarily the agent you met face-to-face.
Knowing what to expect from your real estate transaction and setting the expectations early on in the relationship with your agent is key. It means you’ll never get a surprise call from someone you don’t know.
What Specific Services Do You Offer?
Real estate can sometimes be pretty black and white. It’s all about buying and selling houses. However, not all real estate agents offer the same services. For example, some agents have their own staging services and offer staging services complimentary while other agents work with staging companies and require payment from the homeowner.
Real estate is competitive and today’s agents need to go above and beyond when it comes to impressing clients. That’s why one of the key questions for a real estate agent is to find out exactly what their services entail. That way, you can make an easier comparison between the other agents you are interviewing.
The market has a lot to do with the type of service and agent you work with. Learn about the differences between navigating a buyer’s market and a seller’s market right here.
What is the Process For Buying a Home with You?
Buying a home is arguably the most important transaction of your life. It’s not something you can just decide to do and go with the flow. It requires planning, attention to detail, and work. Your agent is your guide throughout the process, which is why it’s critical that you know exactly what you are getting into.
This is one of the most important questions to ask a real estate agent when buying because it will give you the opportunity to truly understand how they work and if their style is aligned with what you are looking for. Listen closely for any red flags or parts of the process that make you feel uncomfortable. And, as always, do not be afraid to ask follow-up questions if there is something you don’t understand.
What is Your Listing Process When Selling?
Selling your home is an equally important transaction. It’s absolutely essential that you work with an agent who is confident they can get the highest possible price for your home.
Listen to their selling process and take note of specific items such as recommended home preparations, marketing, negotiation, and their recommended pricing strategy.
Although they are the experts who know the market, you still need to be comfortable and confident in their abilities to follow through with the plan they have outlined.
How Long Does it Take?
Whether buying or selling, the most common questions for a real estate agent boils down to timing: how long will it take. If you’re buying a home, you want to know how long the buying process will take. If you’re selling, you want to know how long it will take to sell the house.
Unfortunately, most agents are reluctant to answer that question with a specific timeline. If an agent is giving you concrete timelines or making promises that seem too good to be true, they probably are. Agents who overpromise without any proof of what they can achieve often underdeliver. Be wary of an agent who is making guarantees to find a home or sell your home in what sounds like an unreasonable or unbelievable amount of time.
Do You Have Any Testimonials?
Word-of-mouth is one of the strongest and most effective forms of advertising. Many Realtors® rely on referrals from past clients and word-of-mouth marketing for a lot of their business. Just think, if someone you trust tells you to check something out, you’re pretty likely to listen to them, right?
Asking an agent for references or testimonials is similar to asking for job references before hiring a new employee. Not only does it give you a great sense of what it’s really like to work with that agent, but it also helps you get to know them better and make a decision to work with someone based on the opinions of other real people they have helped in the past.
What Do You Think?
Once you’ve chosen and hired an agent to represent you, you now have access to an excellent brain trust of information and exclusive access to the latest market and neighbourhood insight. However, your real estate’s job is to represent you. So ultimately, any decisions you make are yours and yours alone.
Their job is to present the options, give their expert opinion, and provide guidance. Finding out what they think about something is highly recommended whether you’re thinking of questions to ask a Realtor® when viewing a house or you’re hoping to get some insight on an offer you’ve received, they are there to help.
Choosing the right real estate agent is an important part of buying and selling a home. Make the right decisions with Michael St. Jean Realty, we’re here for you when life changes. Contact us today by calling 1-844-484-SOLD or emailing us here.
