Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You Hire Them
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Experience
- How many clients like me have you worked with in the past year, in this area?
- Do you work full time in real estate?
- Will I work with you directly or with a team?
For sellers
- How would you price my home? Show me the comparable sales.
- What is your marketing plan, such as photos, online listings and open houses?
- What should I fix or stage before listing?
- What is your fee, and how do you handle buyer-agent compensation requests?
Want to talk to a local agent?
Tell us whether you're buying or selling and where, and we'll try to connect you with a local agent. Talk to an agent
Tell us whether you're buying or selling and where, and we'll try to connect you with a local agent. Talk to an agent
For buyers
- What will the buyer agreement say about your pay, its length and how to end it?
- How do you find homes before they're widely marketed?
- How do you approach offers in a competitive market?
- Can you recommend lenders and inspectors, and do you have any business relationship with them?
Red flags
Watch for pressure to sign quickly, vague answers about fees, a price that seems far above comparable sales just to win the listing, and an agent who can't show a current license.
Want to talk to a local agent?
Tell us whether you're buying or selling and where, and we'll try to connect you with a local agent. Talk to an agent
Tell us whether you're buying or selling and where, and we'll try to connect you with a local agent. Talk to an agent