What Questions should I ask when interviewing a Realtor?
Buying a home can be complicated and stressful. Finding the right Realtor® to help you through the process is not just a good idea, it’s a MUST.
Deciding to engage a professional Realtor® to represent you, and your best interests, is the first step. A well trained professional will be able to help you find the right property, ensure it meets your needs, and verify that the price is right and that you are protected throughout the deal.
Quite often we hear from home buyers that explain they are trying to find the perfect home on their own because they don’t want to work with a Realtor®. Their thought process is that they will shop online, go to open houses and try to work with the listing agent. The thought process is that if a buyer uses the listing agent, the agent will cut their commission and give them a good deal. What buyers don’t understand is Agency Representation and “Who is representing who”.
When you chose to work with the listing agent, usually their first and foremost loyalty is to the seller. It is their job to get the best deal for the seller. Best price, best terms and best conditions. If you decide to also hire them to represent you, which you can, then technically they have to work in the best interests of both you and the seller. This can be difficult for anyone.
Once you have decided that must hire a Realtor® to HELP YOU protect your largest investment, what do you do next? Interview them! You should be comfortable and confident with the Realtor® you hire to ensure they are professional and personable. If you feel they are pressuring you during the interview, how will that play out when decisions are being made?
Here are some questions to ensure you ask when picking the right agent.
Are you a full-time Realtor® or do you only work part-time?
What is your availability to show me properties or make offers for me?
How knowledgeable are you about the area I am looking to purchase my new home in?
What tools do you use to help us find the right house?
Do you have any tools and resources to help educate me on the buying process?
How would you different from another Realtor®? What sets you apart?
On average, how many buyers have you helped each year?
Do you have other professionals that will be able to help me? (Mortgage Brokers, Mover, Lawyer, Home Inspector etc.)
What is your strategy when it is time to make an offer?
What sort of conditions do you include in a typical offer?
What if I am unhappy with your service?
Ask them to walk you through the various documents you will encounter during the process. Buyer Representation Agreement, Working with a Realtor® Form, Client ID form, Sample Offer to Purchase, Waivers, Amendments etc. This will show how knowledgeable they are with the complicated paperwork involved.
At the end of the interview, you should be 100% comfortable with both the Realtor® and the quality of their answers to all the questions before you choose to work with them.
If you are comfortable with them as a Realtor®, sign a Buyer Representation Agreement with them. This gives you both the confidence to know you are working together...Exclusively.
For a Complimentary Buyer Consultation / Realtor® Interview, contact Kim and Dennis Downey today! We would love to meet with you and show you what sets us apart!
