Ask your Realtor This....

Ask Your Realtor This…

If you’re like many buyers, you’re finding the environment a bit overwhelming.  The banks are changing the rules arbitrarily and almost daily.  There’s an over-abundance of homes to consider and choose from, and an equally astounding number of Realtors, all vying for your business.

Whether you’re a veteran investor or First-Time-Homebuyer, aligning with a seasoned real estate professional is a most crucial step.  And keep in mind, that years in “The Business” does not necessarily imply that you’re in good hands.

Here are a few things you may want to ask your prospective agent:

1. Are you full-time or will I have to leave a message at the deli counter to have you return my call?  The reasons are obvious.
2. How many homes have you transacted in the last 12 months and could I speak with a few of your past buyers?  If an agent is reluctant to share this information…well, again..the reasons are obvious
3. How long have you been in the real estate business, with your current broker and do you hold any professional designations?  To be considered a true professional, an agent must be willing to stay current with the industry and market, which requires not only the required continuing education, but through achieving a variety of professional designations that identify an agent as a specialist is a given field.  And if your agent has been broker hopping, there’s a level of discontent that you’d be wise to avoid.
4. Do you have an interactive website that I can always refer to for up-to-date properties?  We live in a face-paced, technologically advanced market and your agent should know how to get the information you need….. NOW!
5. And probably the most important question; why should I choose you over the other 300+ agents in the region?  What distinguishes you from the others and how will that benefit me?  If the silence is greater than 5 seconds and the only sounds you hear are the nervous spasms of an agent’s irritable bowel…….NEXT!

And yes, there are plenty of other qualifying questions an agent should be happy to answer.  Specifics of agency relationships and representations, geographic regions in which they’re familiar, and are they charging you a fee;  are only a few that will help you make an informed decision.

If you’ve got questions, pick up the phone… your agent should have your answers.