First off, congratulations on your decision to buy a home and put down roots! It’s a big step and you’re starting off on the right foot by interviewing several agents before picking one to represent you. Finding a Real Estate Agent is an incredibly important part of the process.
If you don’t know where to start, ask friends and family for referrals to agents they’ve used and loved. Even then though it’s still important to meet several agents and pick the agent who is going to be best for you. Then reach out to the Agent and set up an appointment. Take note of how quickly they get back to you. If they don’t return your email or phone call within 24 hours, I’d move on and find someone else. In real estate, getting back to someone quickly, particularly when you’re negotiating a deal, is crucial. If your agent can’t be bothered to get back to you quickly what else are they not going to bother to do?
When it comes to the actual meeting, if convenient for you, we recommend meeting the agent at their office to see what kind of environment they work in. Is their office professional? Is the receptionist welcoming as this can say a lot about the office in general? Is the agent on time to meet you?
As a Buyer, here are the questions we think you should ask a prospective agent:
- What do you know about me?
- Are you a full-time REALTOR®?
- How long have you been in real estate?
- How many clients have you worked with this year?
- What tools do you have especially for first-time home Buyers?
- What areas do you primarily work?
- Will you be showing me homes or will your assistant?
- Are you willing to work with me if I find a home FSBO?
- How do you negotiate deals?
- Do you attend the home inspection?
- Do you handle the inspection negotiations?
- Do you attend the walkthrough?
- How do you feel about dual agency?
- What qualities differentiate you from other REALTORS®?
Here are our responses so you can see how the REALTOR® you’re interviewing stacks up.
1. What do you know about me?
Before our meeting, I conducted a thorough research of your public profiles on platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and other internet sources. I believe understanding my clients’ preferences, interests, and real estate needs is crucial. This approach allows me to provide tailored advice and services from our very first interaction. It’s my commitment to ensure every aspect of your property search or sale is handled with diligence and attention to detail, mirroring the thoroughness you would expect in any professional engagement
2. Are you a full-time REALTOR?
I have been passionately working in real estate since 2010, following in my father’s footsteps. In 2017, I expanded my expertise by obtaining my Designated Broker License, further solidifying my commitment to this profession.
3. How long have you been in real estate?
I have been passionately working in real estate since 2010, following in my father’s footsteps. In 2017, I expanded my expertise by obtaining my Designated Broker License, further solidifying my commitment to this profession.
4. How many clients have you worked with this year?
Since 2010, I’ve had the privilege of assisting hundreds of clients, encompassing a wide range of real estate needs, from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors.
5. What tools do you have especially for first-time home buyers?
For first-time home buyers, I have created a one-of-a kind proactive educational system designed to educate and guide you through the homebuying process, ensuring you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
6. What areas do you primarily work?
My primary focus is on Whatcom County and the adjacent counties of Skagit and Island, offering a deep understanding of the local market dynamics in these areas.
7. Will you be showing me homes or will your assistant?
Either myself or someone from our team. You will have direct support from either myself or a highly experienced member of our team, ensuring personalized attention and expertise throughout your home search.
8. Are you willing to work with me if I find a home FSBO?
Absolutely, I am fully prepared to work with FSBO listings, offering you support, negotiation, and representation to ensure your interests are protected.
9. How do you negotiate deals?
As a Master Certified Negotiation Expert, I leverage comprehensive market research and a deep understanding of the sellers’ motivations to develop strategic negotiation plans that aim to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
10. Do you attend the home inspection?
Yes, I always attend home inspections to ensure any concerns are immediately addressed and to advocate on your behalf.
11. Do you handle the inspection negotiations?
Handling inspection negotiations is something I do with great diligence and enthusiasm, advocating for my clients’ best interests at every turn.
12. Do you attend the walk-through?
Attending the walk-through is essential, and I make it a priority to be there, ensuring everything is in order before the final steps.
13. How do you feel about dual agency?
I do not practice dual agency as I believe it compromises the ability to fully represent either party’s best interests. Instead, I advocate for dedicated representation.
14. What qualities differentiate you from other Realtors?
My 24/7 availability, unwavering dedication to your best interests, honesty, and master negotiation skills set me apart. I’m committed to providing exceptional service from contract to close and have access to an extensive network of trusted professionals.
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