If you're buying a house, chances are you'll be employing the
aid of a real estate agent to guide you through the process. The
important thing to remember is that you are technically their
boss. They should be working for you, whether you're buying or
selling a home. That's why it's so necessary to interview
several real estate agents before settling on one. Here are some
helpful questions to narrow down the candidate field.
1. How many years have you been working in real estate?
Although some agents may be newly licensed, they may have been
working on other areas of real estate that will be helpful to
you. Any previous experience working with home buying and
selling will make an agent a valuable asset. Many times realty
is a second or third career. If your realtor was a mortgage
lender before switching to the housing world, they might be even
more helpful than someone who has been in the business since the
word go.
2. How many homes do you sell yearly?
Numbers count, but be aware that small numbers aren't always
bad. An agent may only sell a handful of properties each year,
but if they're worth millions, that's all they needed to.
That's why it's important to ask not only how many they sell,
but the price range that the homes fall into. If you're buying a
house, this will help you gauge which houses the agent has
access to and is more experienced with selling. If you want to
sell your home, this will be a good indicator of whether or not
the realtor is going to successfully market your property.
3. What is your area of expertise?
If you want to buy a condo, don't hire a realtor who sells
mansions. If you want to buy a family home, don't hire anyone
who specializes in two-person town houses. Finding niche agents
will open more doors during your house hunt or sale. Buyers will
be shown more properties matching their requirements, while
seller's homes have a better chance of being marketed more
effectively.
4. How many other clients are you currently working with?
Translation: How much time can you devote to my needs? Some
realtors won't turn down a client, even if their plate is
already overflowing. Ask for the numbers. If the phone is
ringing off the hook during your meeting and papers are flying,
you may want to look elsewhere for an agent who can devote a
good chunk of time to you. Explain to them your typical schedule
and what times you'd you would be available to view houses or
have meetings. If they can't be flexible, move on.
5. Do you have a list or client references?
Nothing says more about the professionalism and worth work ethic
of a realtor than their ability to provide you with a list of
client references. Just producing a list on the spot is a good
sign that the agent is prepared and wants your business. If
there is none available immediately, or the agent sputters out
some excuses, take it as a sign to head elsewhere.
By Andrew Stratton
While buying or selling a house, it is important to choose the
right real estate agent by asking him all necessary questions
before appointing.
Asheville NC real estate agents can help you in profitable
real estate dealings. Contact online http://www.prefe
rredrealestatecenter.com.
