Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Realtor

If you are buying or selling a home it is essential that you work with a Realtor that knows the business and will put you first. Working with the wrong Realtor could cost you big both in terms of time and money; things you just never have enough of already. Don't be afraid to ask a possible Realtor as many questions as necessary to find out if they are the one for you and don't ever feel pressured to use a certain agent because they are a friend of a friend or your uncle's neighbor's son-in-law.

There are some critical questions that you should ask a possible Realtor.  The first is how much experience they have.  This is not to say that you should always pick the one with the most experience, but you can be sure that the way they answer this question is just as revealing as their answer itself.  You want to make sure that your realtor has the poise to make and/or field offers on your behalf.  You must make sure that your Realtor won't be shy and won't let anybody walk all over them – because that would mean letting them take advantage of you.

The second important question is what their fee is. Next, you will want to inquire as to what kind of marketing strategy or shopping strategy they will suggest for you. Make sure that their ideas match up with your expectations. Do they sound like an expert that can guide you through this significant transaction?

Another question is whether they can provide you with references.  Make sure that other people who have worked with this Realtor were happy with them. You should also ask whether they would make copies of any documents you are required to sign in advance so you can actually read them. You will be entering into a contract with your Realtor so it is important that you understand the terms.

The final question you should ask your agent is how many homes they suggest viewing before you make a decision for buyers and for sellers, ask how long they think your home will be on the market before it sells. They may not be able to guarantee anything in that regard, but they should be able to give you an estimate based on their experience and current market trends in your area.

Finally, you will want to ask a potential Realtor what advice they can offer to make your search or selling your home easier. Take advantage of the Realtor's advice and be sure to actually follow any advice they give so that you can buy or sell your home at the right time for the right price.