What questions should I ask agents before deciding
who to hire?
Here are some things to look for in selecting a realtor:
1. Reputation. Ask around. Do your homework.
An agency doesn't have to be large to be effective.
But it does need to have a track record of success.
2. A proactive game plan to market your home. Too
many realtors are stuck in the "boom market mentality"
of the 70's and 80's, when an expanding inflationary
market drove prices steadily upward and you had only
to list your home and the rest took care of itself.
Not any more. Today's housing market demands that the
professional know how to reach your best prospects as
soon as they start looking (if not before!), as well
as the skills to turn lookers into buyers so your home
gets SOLD!
3. In-depth knowledge of your market area. Real
Estate is a dynamic marketplace. Pricing, appeal and
availability can vary dramatically within a single neighborhood
or just across town. To be effective, an agent needs
to be intimately acquainted with ALL the variables,
including financing, provincial and local laws and ordinances
governing real estate transactions, and other details
to help you anticipate, avoid, and solve problems before
they occur.
4. A team that's in the game. Some people worry
that if the brokerage is busy, they won't have time
to give customers the attention they deserve. Well,
who would you rather have operate on you-the surgeon
who's in demand, or the one who's sitting on his hands?
Don't hire the part-time medical technician when you
need delicate brain surgery.
5. Someone you feel good about. That sounds
pretty subjective, but it's important that you trust
your agent and have utmost confidence in his/her ability
to perform.
The following interview questionnaire will help you
select the best agent for you. Remember, the cream rises
to the top.
1. How many homes have you sold in your career? In
the last five years? In the last 12 months?
2. May I have the names and phone numbers of three
clients whose homes you've sold in the last six months?
3. Will you give me the name and phone number of at
least one client whose home you failed to sell in the
last six months?
4. What will you do to market my home beyond the conventional
MLS listing?
5. If I don't like your performance may I cancel our
listing agreement at any time?
6. How long have you sold real estate full time?
6. What incentives do you offer other brokers to get
them committed to selling my home?
7. Is your office fully automated with mobile phone,
pager, voice mail, e-mail and fax so we can stay in
constant touch? Are you committed to being available?
8. Do you mass mail to reach homeowners in my area
who may know someone who would like to live in my neighborhood?
9. How much time will you spend prospecting for buyers
for my home? How will you do it?
10. Give me three good reasons why I should choose
you over all the other reputable agencies in town.
Don't hesitate to call Bob for his answers to
these and any other real estate questions you may have.
