If you’re currently looking for a Realtor or real estate agent and you don’t have any connections or you may be new to the area and just don’t know who to trust, putting your real estate transactions in the hands of somebody unknown can be a little scary. Real estate transactions deal with thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars and leaving your negotiations to someone you don’t know may make you a bit anxious.
However, knowing the right questions to ask can save you a lot of time, stress, and headaches in the future. Remember, you can always fire your Realtor or agent if they are not meeting your expectations as the job they are supposed to do.
Here are some questions to consider when finding the right real estate agent.
Are you a Realtor or real estate agent?
The difference in a real estate agent versus a Realtor is both have their license and and are able to conduct real estate transactions on behalf of their broker but a Realtor holds a separate certification and it obligated to perform to a certain set of higher standard. Although all agents should conduct transactions in an ethical and unbiased manner, Realtors carry a higher set of ethics for their clients.
How many homes have you sold in the last year?
If you are selling your home you will want to know this figure. This is not necessarily how many homes they listed but homes they actually sold. If they list 300 homes in a year but only sold twocheck out your url, this may not be the Realtor for you.
Do you help me through the entire process from applying for a loan to the steps after closing?
A good agent will help you obtain a loan, find the right lender, negotiate all of your terms and prices, be there with you through the closing documents, and happily hand over the key to your new home. Many will also offer moving advice, or even a helpful gift to get you started in your new home.
How accessible will you be?
Your real estate agent should be available to you by phone, fax, e-mail, or in person for a reasonable time each day. If they take on your listing or choose to help you find a home and then leave on vacation for two weeks you have every right to fire them and find yourself someone who is prepared to see the entire transaction through.
These are just a few of the questions you’ll want to ask your agent or Realtor. Knowing they have your best interest at heart, and will negotiate for your terms, price, and situation will help make the entire transaction whether you are buying or selling goes smoother and leave you with a better feeling over all.
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