Between July 2023 and June 2024, a significant majority—88%—of home sales were facilitated through a real estate agent or broker. To ensure a successful home purchase or sale, it’s crucial to connect with a few agents and ask them key questions to find the best fit.
Key Takeaways for Choosing a Real Estate Agent
- Vetting is essential: Ask agents about their experience, listing strategies, communication preferences, and contract agreements to make an informed decision.
- Desired Qualities: Look for agents who are knowledgeable about the market, proactive in their approach, responsive to your needs, and generally easy to work with.
- Personal Connection: Beyond professional qualifications, a good personal rapport with your agent can greatly enhance your entire buying or selling experience.
6 Essential Questions for a Real Estate Broker or Agent
Before committing to a real estate professional, thorough vetting is vital to avoid a negative experience. According to Florida-based real estate agent Jessica Peterson, these are the most important questions to ask:
- What Are Your Experiences?Real estate agents come with diverse backgrounds, ranging from seasoned veterans with hundreds of transactions to those just starting out, and from full-time professionals to part-timers. Inquire about:
- How long they’ve been a licensed agent.
- What experiences uniquely qualify them or set them apart.
- Their specific experience in your desired neighborhoods or property types.
- Will I Work Directly With You or With a Team?Many agents operate as part of a larger team. While this can offer efficiency, it might also lead to a less personalized experience. Clarify:
- Who exactly will be your primary point of contact and handling your transaction.
- When your agent (or team) will be available for showings and consultations.
- Their preferred communication channels (e.g., text, phone, email) and expected response times. The best agents will adapt to your communication preferences.
- What Strategy Do You Have to Sell My Home for Top Dollar?As a homeowner, your goal is to sell your property quickly and for the highest possible price. Ask about their marketing and listing strategy, including:
- Whether they will host open houses.
- Their plans for online property advertisements.
- If they have an exclusive buyer group or network they leverage.Given that most homebuyers today begin their search online, a strong digital marketing strategy is crucial for a successful home sale.
- What Questions Do You Ask Clients to Help Them Find the Right Home?For homebuyers, you want an agent who can effectively help you find the best home within your budget and needs. A good agent should have a prepared list of questions to narrow the search, such as queries about:
- Your lifestyle and daily routines.
- Your “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves.”
- Commute preferences.
- Long-term goals for the property and location.An agent’s ability to ask insightful questions, including those you might not consider, demonstrates their capacity to find a home that genuinely fits your needs.
- Do I Need to Sign a Contract?Many agents require a signed contract to protect their commission. These contracts vary significantly in:
- Duration: How long is the agreement valid?
- Cancellation Policies: What are the terms if you wish to terminate the agreement?
- Exclusivity: Does the contract grant them exclusive representation, meaning you can’t work with another agent during the term?
- Associated Fees: Are there any additional fees outlined?Before signing, thoroughly review the contract, including all fine print and disclosures, and ask for clarification on any unclear terms.
- What Are Some Fun Facts About You?This question helps establish a personal connection. Buying or selling a home is a significant financial and often emotional decision, so building rapport and finding common ground with your agent can significantly improve your overall experience.
FAST FACT: As of Q3 2024, there are 502,015 real estate establishments operating in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Checklist for Choosing a Real Estate Agent or Broker
In addition to the questions above, consider these criteria:
- Accessibility: Real estate deals can move quickly, especially in competitive markets. Your agent should be easy to reach and prompt in responding to new opportunities or your inquiries.
- Proactivity: A good agent doesn’t wait for you to find listings. They actively suggest properties, propose negotiation strategies, and offer ways to strengthen your offers.
- Local Market Knowledge: Your agent should possess a deep understanding of the local housing market, current trends, and neighborhood specifics. This allows them to help you set competitive prices, avoid common mistakes, and connect you with other local real estate professionals (e.g., title companies, home insurance providers, real estate attorneys).
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right real estate agent or broker is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make when buying or selling a home. Don’t settle for the first one you encounter. Instead, interview several candidates to determine who would be the best fit. The ideal agent will not only guide you through the transaction process but also diligently protect your best interests at all times.