The Blooms Realtors, Selecting an Agent

Interview Questions

When Selecting an agent you want to be sure that you will be happy with them. After each interview you should ask yourself:

Did you feel that the agent is trustworthy and honest?

Did he/she seem realistic when talking about your home or your anticipated home purchase?

Did you communicate well with the agent? Were you "on the same page?"

Would you describe him/her as committed, motivated, and experienced?

Questions to ask the Realtor: family image

If I list my house with you, can you represent me in the purchase of my next home? You'll want your agent to fully explain the concept of agency and how it works in your state. An individual working as a seller's (listing) agent in one transaction can usually become that client's buyer's agent for the next home purchase. Be sure to ask what limitations, if any, your representation will have.

What distinguishes your real estate company from its competitors? Is a company large because it re-invests in innovation? Or has it remained a "boutique," believing that its personalized services attract clients? Each organization should have a business philosophy that's clearly understood by its agents.

What distinguishes your personal service from other real estate agents'? A recent study showed that unreturned phone calls from their agent was the #1 complaint among home buyers and sellers. Listen to how prospective agents describe their communication skills.

Working with me as a buyer, how will you help me narrow my choices? A good real estate agent will first expand your choices, making you fully aware of what your home-buying dollar will buy in various communities. Then s/he'll help you separate good options from those that are less-than-optimal, educating you on the features and benefits of specific homes and their neighborhoods. It's a "getting to know you" process that's both art and science, and the best selling agents do it very well.

What advice can you offer that's unique to my situation? Are you settling into the family homestead, or expecting be transferred in two years? Your unique circumstances will prompt discussion; your agent should be able to counsel you on the specifics.

Why should I confine myself to working with just one agent? If you don't have an exclusive agency agreement with your agent, you're not legally obligated to work only with him/her to find your next home. It may, however, greatly benefit you to do so. Listen to your prospective agents' philosophies on this point, and determine what's best for you.

What happens when are not available? What should you do if your agent is on a weekend vacation, and the Sunday classifieds feature an open house that just calls out to you? If you visit without your agent, will it mean that s/he can't represent you in the eventual sale? Be sure to understand how prospective agents handle even brief periods in which they're unavailable.

Related topic: How To Hire a Seller's Agent

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