6 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Real Estate Agent

It's important to interview an agent before hiring one - in an interview you can find out their record for buying and selling homes, find out what area they're most comfortable and familiar working in, and if they'll be a good fit overall for your needs. 

Here are 6 questions to ask each and every real estate agent you interview:

1. What advertising and marketing plans do you have for my home? Will you list my home online and in print? (Agents should recommend that you list your home for sale in local newspapers and on popular online listing sites such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realbird). In other words, how will you make sure that my home is sold in a timely manner and for a good price?
   
   
2. What is your personal track record and reputation in the real estate world? It’s important for agents you’re interviewing to bring evidence of their success in selling and/or buying homes (depending on their specialty). Additionally, the agent should bring a reference list that gives you contact information for previous clients.
   
   
3. How many homes have you sold/bought in my area? It is very important that agents be familiar with the area that they’re working in so that they can provide you with an accurate and reasonable estimate for your listing price and can give you a timeline for selling your home.
   
   
4. When your listings sell, how close is the selling price to the asking price (on average)?
   
   
5. How long does it take for your listings to sell, on average?
   
   
6. Are you currently working with other buyers/sellers? If the agent is working with both buyers and sellers, this could increase your chances of selling your home quickly, as the agent may be able to pair you up with another client.
   
   
7. If I’m unhappy with the work you are doing, what are my options? It is important to think ahead and plan for all possible scenarios. Make sure that the agent you hire is willing to take the time and effort to make sure that you get what you want.

By asking and evaluating the responses that agents have to these questions, you will be able to determine whether or not the agent is a good fit for you and whether or not he/she will be able to find you the home you want.