1. Are you a Full-Time or a Part-time Realtor?
Whether you want to buy a house or selling one, this is the most important question because the Full-time Realtors are likely to provide more focused attention and time.
2. In the past year or two, how many homes have you sold in my neighbourhood?
It’s important that you want to hire someone with a sales track record in your neighborhood and ideally in your price range. If you live in a city that has different property types (for example freehold townhomes, semi-detached house), find out how much experience they have selling what you have or what you want to buy.
3. What are your strengths compared to your competition, why should I hire you?
Most buyers and sellers are looking for an honest, experienced, excellent communicator & negotiator, who is friendly and willing to go an extra mile to provide successful results.
4. What kind of specialization and awards you have received?
Ask If the Realtor has earned any Awards in his real estate career and any further studies done to achieve specialization (i.e. ABR, SRES Designations).
5. How long have you been a real estate agent and how much education have you received?
Experience of least four years shows a dedication to the profession and enough time to acquire a good sense of the market and selling skills. All Realtors, by law, are required to keep their license in good standing as far the education goes.
6. How often will you follow up and communicate with me?
Normally, your Realtor should communicate with you on the regular basis, keeping you updated on any new information and concerns. When selling your house they must inform you of all offers and they should be reachable by you through email and other mediums in case you have any questions and the same applies when you want to buy a house, they should inform you about new listings, make appointments as soon as possible as per your convenient timings and provide you with comparable sold properties in case you are planning to put an offer.
7. What will be my closing costs?
Both buying and selling real estate has closing costs attached to it and I believe that by explaining the process completely to buyers and sellers can help remove their anxiety.
8. For my clarity, Can you explain the process to me?
By asking this question you get more clarity on all the steps involved in buying and selling real estate and why a Realtor is a valuable expert to have on your side.
9. Can provide me the names and phone numbers of your previous clients as references?
Speak to the past clients before you make your final decision on hiring. Make sure to ask if any of the clients related to the Realtor.
10. May I review documents that I will be asked to sign?
A good REALTOR® makes forms available to you before you are required to sign them. ( i.e. For Sellers is listing agreement and for buyers is Buyer Representation agreement) Also ask to see agency disclosure and seller disclosure.
