12 things you should ask a real estate agent

Having the right real estate professional by your side can greatly improve your home-buying experience. A good rule of thumb is to interview a minimum of three candidates. Here are 12 questions to ask during an interview:

  • 1. Are you a full-time professional REALTOR®?
  • 2. How long have you worked full time in real estate?
  • 3. What geographic areas do you specialize in?
  • 4. Do you have a Website? What information can I find there?
  • 5. How will you keep me informed during my home search and throughout the transaction?
  • 6. Do you have a staff or a team? If so, what roles will they play in my transaction?
  • 7. Will you show me properties from other companies’ listings? (Some real estate companies do offer their buyers’ agents a higher commission if they are able to sell “in-house” listings. In those instances, there can be added incentive to limit the range of homes you are shown. This may affect your home search and how much your agent’s fee will be.)
  • 8. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you also represent the seller? May I have that in writing?
  • 9. How will you get paid? How are your fees structured? May I have that in writing?
  • 10. What distinguishes you from other real estate agents? What is your negotiating style?
  • 11. May I contact some of your recent clients as references?
  • 12. Do you have a performance guarantee? If I am not satisfied with your performance, can I terminate our buyer agency agreement? (In the heavily regulated world of real estate, it can be difficult to offer a performance guarantee. Typically, agents will outline verbally what you can expect from their performance. Hunter Grey Realty understands the importance of win-win business relationships: The agent does not benefit if the client does not benefit.)
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     114 Old Country Road

     Suite 600

     Mineola, NY 11501

     516 462-8000

     info@huntergreyrealty.com