The 10 Most Important Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent

Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial when it comes to selling your home. To ensure you make an informed decision, it’s essential to ask the right questions. In this blog post, we will cover the ten most important questions you should ask your real estate agent to help you find the best fit for your needs.

1. What are you going to do for me? It’s important to understand the specific actions and strategies the real estate agent will take to market and sell your home. Ask for a detailed plan outlining their approach, including advertising, open houses, online listings, and other promotional activities.
2. Who do you represent? Sellers, buyers, both? How do you work when a buyer comes along? Clarify whether the real estate agent exclusively represents sellers or works with both buyers and sellers. Understand how they navigate the dynamics when representing buyers and sellers simultaneously, ensuring your interests are protected throughout the process.
3. What do you think my house is worth? Why do you think that? Ask the real estate agent for their professional opinion on the value of your home. Request an explanation of their valuation methodology and factors they consider, such as recent comparable sales, market trends, and the condition of your property.
4. What is the best thing about my house, and how do you market that? Discover what unique features and selling points your real estate agent identifies in your home. Inquire about their marketing strategies to highlight these strengths, such as professional photography, virtual tours, staging, and targeted advertising.
5. What is your fee, and when do I pay that? What if you don’t sell the house? Discuss the real estate agent’s commission structure and when payment is expected. Understand if there are any additional fees or expenses involved. Inquire about their policy if your home doesn’t sell within the agreed timeframe.
6. What if a purchase broker like BLUEFIN has a customer? Are you willing to share your commission with them? If not, why not? Inquire about the real estate agent’s willingness to collaborate with purchase brokers, such as BLUEFIN, who may have potential buyers for your property. Understand their stance on commission sharing and their rationale behind it.
7. What will you do to sell my house for the best price in the shortest period? Ask the real estate agent about their strategies for achieving the optimal selling price within a reasonable timeframe. Inquire about their negotiation skills, pricing expertise, and ability to attract qualified buyers.
8. Will you do anything possible to sell my house, or is earning your commission more important? Gain insight into the real estate agent’s commitment and dedication to selling your house. Ensure their focus is on achieving your goals rather than solely earning their commission.
9. On what platforms do you advertise, which brokers do you ask for promotion, and will you send me the links so I can check that? Request information about the advertising platforms and channels the real estate agent utilizes to market properties. Inquire about their network of cooperating brokers and if they can provide links or examples of previous listings they have promoted.
10. In what period, based on your experience, can I expect my home to be sold? While there are no guarantees, ask the real estate agent for their professional opinion on the expected timeline for selling your home. Understand the average duration of their past sales and any factors that could influence the selling timeframe.

Conclusion: Asking these ten important questions will help you gain valuable insights into the expertise, approach, and commitment of your real estate agent. By selecting a knowledgeable and dedicated professional, you can navigate the selling process with confidence, maximizing the potential of your home sale. Remember, an informed decision is the key to a successful transaction.