Top 12 Questions To Ask When Interviewing A Realtor®
Selling a home is a significant decision that involves multiple considerations and complexities. When a homeowner is considering embarking on this journey, seeking the guidance of a reliable and knowledgeable local real estate agent is critical. Working with the right professional can make all the difference in whether or not you have a smooth and swift sale, as well as a satisfying experience during what could otherwise be a stressful situation.
Asking the Right Questions
Prioritize selecting someone you can trust to help you make informed decisions that are solely based on your best interests. To help equip you in having those meaningful conversations, here is a list of the top 12 questions (plus 3 secret bonus questions!) you should be asking a Realtor® when contemplating representation for the sale of your home:
What are the current trends and conditions in my area, and how might they affect the sale of my home?
What are the current housing demand and supply dynamics in my area?
What is the current market value of my home, and how did you arrive at this figure?
What is your marketing strategy to attract potential buyers to my home?
How will you differentiate or position my home to make it stand out versus other homes for sale?
What specific updates or repairs do you recommend I consider making before listing my home?
How long do you anticipate it will take to sell my home?
What are the typical closing costs, commissions and fees I should expect to pay when selling my home?
How will you handle and coordinate showings, open houses, and any other events related to the sale of my home?
What are the potential challenges or risks that I should be aware of during the selling process, and how do you plan to address them?
Will you be my primary point of contact and the person who I see and hear from most?
Who will be onsite inside my home for any appointments related to inspections, repairs or updates, as well as at open houses, buyer showings or other marketing events?
Get to Know Their Character
Not as often outwardly addressed, but of equal importance, are the “softer” skills or attributes that can help build rapport and foster a compatible and collaborative working relationship between parties. Take the time to ask and place value on how someone plans to communicate with you, their ability to adapt and solve problems, as well as their genuine level of interest, understanding and compassion they demonstrate in learning about you and your home. Here are three bonus questions to ask to help ensure a more harmonious selling experience:
How will you communicate with me during this process, and what can I expect in terms of updates and feedback along the way?
Can you provide an example of a significant obstacle or a challenging situation/negotiation with a previous buyer or seller, and how you handled it?
How do you provide empathy and understanding when working with sellers who may be indecisive or have emotional attachments to their homes?
Next Steps
With the right guidance and support, homeowners can more easily navigate the complexities of the real estate market and sell their home through a satisfying experience with greater confidence.
We invite you to have a conversation with us to learn how we address answering each one of these questions. Click here to attend one of our Team’s upcoming Seller Seminars where we address these topics in greater detail. Or, contact us directly to set up a personal appointment for a more private conversation. Looking forward to connecting!
