10 Questions to find the RIGHT Realtor

Homeowners should interview a few potential REALTORS® before deciding on one to sell their home. Here are some smart questions to ask:

1. How long have you been in the business?

A freshly-licensed REALTOR® can do a wonderful job and will have the most up-to-date training however those in the business longer bring more practical experience to the table. Experience matters in Real estate. Ask the Realtor to describe their last few deals - ensure they were recent!

2. What is your average list-to-sales-price ratio?

A competent listing REALTOR® should hold a track record for negotiating sales prices that are very close to list prices. Asking this question will ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table when negotiating your sold price.

3. How will your marketing plan meet my needs?

Specifically, how will you sell my home? Where and how often do you advertise? Will you show me a sample flyer? How do you market online? The Realtor should have a game plan as to how they will sell your home, how long it will take to sell your home, and what approximately you will net after the sale. A Great Realtor will have contingency plans in case you don’t get the traffic that was anticipated.

4. Will you provide references?

Ask if any of the references are related to the REALTOR®. Ask if you can call their references with additional questions. A great Realtor should have no problem finding a few past clients who can share their personal experience. If the Realtor resists, it could mean he/she has not done a deal recently, or has not provided a good enough experience that they feel confident speaking about.

5. What separates you from your competition?

Key phrases to listen for: assertive, available by phone or e-mail, analytical, professional, reliable, and good negotiating skills. Does your Realtor act quickly when given instructions? Do they communicate with you on a daily basis? How often will they communicate with you? Overall, its imperative to work with Realtor who can deliver a solid customer service experience.

6. May I review documents that I will be asked to sign?

A good REALTOR® makes forms available to you before you are required to sign them. Ask to see agency disclosure, the listing agreement and seller disclosure. A great Realtor will review all documentation with you and ensure you fully understand what you are signing. Some documents cannot be rescinded once signed, so it important the Realtor clearly explain the significance behind each document.

7. How will you help me find other professionals?

Ask for a written list of referring vendors. Get an explanation if you see the term “affiliated”. It could mean the REALTOR® is getting compensation from vendors. Over time, a great Realtor collects professionals in all services ranging from property inspectors, Lawyers, Mortgage brokers, Surveyors, Trades, accountants, etc. They can save you a lot of hassle by referring these top notch professionals to you.

8. How much do you charge?

You don’t have to ask if the fee is negotiable, since all real estate fees are negotiated. It may be a good idea to ask what their commission fee is for your reference. A great Realtor should be able to outline their services, and deliver on those services. A Great Realtor may offer to provide free services as part of their package such as professional photography, or RMS measurements. Also keep in mind that the fees are negotiable - however a drop in commission may result in less service. Negotiate a proper fee that encompasses what you are needing from the transaction without sacrificing on overall quality.

9. What kind of guarantee do you offer?

If you sign a listing agreement with the REALTOR® and later find that you are unhappy with the arrangement, will the REALTOR® let you cancel the agreement? Discuss this matter BEFORE you sign with a Realtor. Remember, its easy to get into a contract. But how do you get out of a contract if you are unsatisfied.

10. What haven’t I asked you that I need to know?

Pay close attention to how the REALTOR® answers this question, because there is always something you need to know--always. A Great Realtor should be able to explain the why and what of a term and describe the importance to doing something one way over another.

This article was prepared by David Hansen. We hope you got value from reading this. To talk about buying your first home, please contact David Hansen at 403-831-9101