Hiring the perfect real estate agent can be a difficult process. In any given area there are dozens, if not more, real estate agents to choose from. Your real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’re going to make during the buying process.
A lot of first-time homebuyers, or those who are buying in a new area for the first time, will end up asking a friend for a referral. This isn’t a bad idea, but sometimes the agent they recommend won’t be the right fit for your needs.
Below we outline the most common questions you’ll want to ask any agent you’re thinking about working with.
Questions To Ask Your Referral Contact
If you are considering working with the agent that one of your friends refers, then make sure you ask your contact the following questions.
1. What Are Your Main Methods Of Communication?
In real estate communication is everything. You need to ensure your communication styles match up. For instance, if the agent only communicates via email, but you prefer to discuss over the phone, then the relationship might not work.
2. Were There Any Drawbacks To Working With The Agent?
Ask your friend to be honest about their experience. Was there anything they wished the agent could have done better? You need to trust the agent you’re working with.
3. How Knowledgeable Were They About The Market?
Knowledge is incredibly important. You need to work with an agent who’s constantly up to date on the latest properties for sale, and has access to other insider information. It’s also incredibly helpful if the agent already has experience working within your desired location.
Questions To Ask Your Potential Agent
If you’re considering working with an agent you found on your own, then it’s a great idea to ask them the following questions.
1. Do You Do Real Estate Full Time?
Full-time agents tend to have more knowledge about the market than part-time agents. Part-time agents might also have other obligations that could detract from the sales process.
2. Have You Worked In My Target Neighborhood Before?
Having actual experience within the neighborhood or area you’re considering buying in can be very helpful. When an agent is comfortable and has sold properties within a specific area there’s a chance they’ll have more relevant knowledge.
3. How Will We Communicate and How Often?
As mentioned above how your agent communicates with you is incredibly important. Make sure you cover preferred methods of communication, and if they’re willing to adjust to your needs.
4. Do You Work With A Team, Or Are You Solo?
Having a team that assists the agent can be very helpful. This will enable to agent to do more in less time, and will reduce your stress knowing there’s always someone available to help.
5. Do You Represent Both Sides Of The Transaction?
Sometimes agents can work as a dual agent. This means they can represent both the buyer and the seller. In some places this is common practice, while in other areas it’s very rare. If you’re uncomfortable about this, then make sure this is communicated up front.
By asking the right questions you can increase your chances of finding the right agent. If you’re looking for the perfect agent in the Lake Tahoe area we hope you consider our team.
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