Questions to ask your Realtor about selling a house
- Are you a full-time professional real estate agent? How long have
you worked full time in real estate? What professional designations do you
have?
Knowing whether or not your agent practices full time can help you determine
potential scheduling conflicts and his or her commitment to your transaction.
As with any profession, the number of years a person has been in the business
does not necessarily reflect the level of service you can expect, but it is
a good starting point for your discussion. The same issue can apply to professional
designations.
- Do you have a Website that will list my home? Can I have your URL
(website address)? Who responds to emails and how quickly? What’s your
email address?
Many buyers prefer to search online for homes because it’s available
24 hours a day and can be done at home. So you want to make sure your home
is listed online, either on the agent’s Website or on their company’s
site. By searching your agent's Website you will get a clear picture of how
much information is available online. It is also a good idea to see if your
Agent list properties on their local association’s website. (such as
www.realtorsjamaica.com)
- How will you keep in contact with me during the selling process,
and how often?
Some agents may email, fax or call you daily to tell you that visitors have
toured your home, while others will keep in touch weekly. Asking this question
can help you to reconcile your needs with your agent's systems.
- What do you do that other agents don't that ensures I'm getting
top dollar for my home?
Marketing skills are learned, and sometimes a Realtor has unique methods
of research and delivery that makes the difference between whether or not
a home sells quickly. For example, an agent might research the demographics
of your neighbourhood and present you a target market list for direct marketing
purposes.
- Will you give me names of past clients?
Interviewing an agent can be similar to interviewing someone to work in your
office. Contacting references can be a reliable way for you to understand
how he or she works, and whether or not this style is compatible with your
own.
- Do you have a performance guarantee? If I am not satisfied with
your performance, can I terminate our listing agreement?
In the heavily regulated world of real estate, it can be difficult for an
agent to offer a performance guarantee. If your agent does not have a guarantee,
it does not mean they are not committed to high standards. Typically, he or
she will verbally outline what you can expect from their performance.
- How will you get paid? How are your fees structured?
In many areas, the seller pays all agent commissions. Sometimes, agents will
have other small fees, such as administrative or special service fees, that
are charged to clients, regardless of whether they are buying or selling.
Be aware of the big picture before you sign any agreements. Ask for an estimate
of costs from any agent you contemplate employing.
- What will you do to sell my home? Who determines where and when
my home is marketed/promoted? Who pays for your advertising?
Ask your real estate agent to present to you a clear plan of how marketing
and advertising dollars will be spent. If there are other forms of marketing
available but not specified in the plan ask who pays for those. Request samples
of the types of marketing strategies that your agent proposes (such as Internet
Websites, print magazines, open houses, and local publications).
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