Real estate works in an intricate system that revolves around the various key players to make it thrive, like property managers, appraisers, and contractors. For a layperson, it can get incredibly tricky to conduct real estate affairs without any external help, even if it is family real estate because there exist so many knots on a single thread.
Therefore, real estate agents come in really handy in bridging this information gap and have to be chosen such that they have all the qualities of a successful real estate agent.
We have mentioned here six vital questions that you should ask an agent before hiring one so that you do not end up with an incompetent real estate agent.
1. How much experience do you have as a real estate agent?
Experience is everything, and whenever you are looking for an agent, you must make sure that you ask him how much experience does he has in real estate. Preferably, you must look to hire an agent that has at least three to four years’ experience, and if you are hiring a rookie, make sure that he is working under a competent broker.
2. Which neighborhoods do you deal with frequently?
It is an important question to ask from your realtor because he may be a great agent in general, but may not have expert knowledge about the neighborhood you desire to inhabit. Therefore, you must look for an agent who has the expertise in your desired neighborhood because he will give you an informed idea about various aspects of an area like safety, amenities, schools, and public transportation.
3. Give a detailed account of your schedule and availability?
Quite often does it happen that people work as agents only as part-time, which does not necessarily compromise their competence, but this situation can pose some problems. For example, if you wish to lock a house immediately or have a last-minute change of plans, and your hired agent does not work during those hours, then you will find yourself in a fix. Therefore, hire an agent who works full time and provides services for most of the day.
4. How often do you do business with home buyers?
Most of the realtors engage in business with both home buyers and sellers. But, some of them have the foresight to develop a niche for themselves and provide consultancy on either of the services. Therefore, hire an agent who specializes in only the service you need so that you can get a better deal.
5. How successful have you been in the last year?
There is a difference between an agent who works with home buyers and the other who actually convince people to buy homes. Therefore, ask the potential candidate that how many homes have he closed in the last year, and that will give you a reasonable estimate of his potential.
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6. How will you ensure that I will get a place that fits my needs?
Any decent agent would always take full details of your needs, and a lot of them actually come with a questionnaire that you are required to fill as per your preferences. As a result, the agent will get well aware of what you are looking for, and it considerably increases your chances of getting a place as per your requirements.
Buying or selling real estate is a tricky business and must not be done on your own if you are not well versed in its peculiar dynamics. Instead, you shall look to hire a competent agent, that you can do by asking the right questions mentioned above.
