Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent

 

Getting into the business of real estate is not an easy decision or process to start. The more help you have from someone who has the experience and knowledge in the industry, the better the chances of having success either in buying, selling, or investing in property. Real Estate agents are there to guide and advise you on what is best for you with the budget at hand. It is better to let an expert handle the logistical and technical aspects that involve real estate transactions. 

Below are a few insights that will help first-timers operate and gain knowledge that will provide growth in the industry. Knowing what angle you want to approach the business is imperative so that you’re able to ask the relevant questions and find the best-suited agent for achieving your goals.

• Do you have a real estate license?

This is easy. You need to be represented by a licensed professional. To avoid getting yourself into a situation where you are implicated in fraudulent activity and then prosecuted alongside an illegitimate realtor, you must make sure their license is legitimate before doing any sort of business. There are many scammers out there who will use you especially as a novice to the industry. 

• How long have you been a real estate broker? 

The experience a real estate agent has is important. Someone who has been in the field for a longer period of time will be able to predict problems before they arise and be able to provide solutions. Those with experience also come with more contacts and relationships within the real estate industry. 

• What does your weekly/monthly schedule look like?

It is imperative that you know if your realtor works part-time or full-time. If they are a full-time realtor, it is more likely that they devote more of their time to their current projects as opposed to a part-time agent who may have other work obligations.  

• Do you work individually or in a team?

Dealing with one agent is easy, but having multiple chefs on one pot is difficult. This, however, does not apply to everyone. Some people would rather have multiple opinions come forward than have themselves and a single agent make crucial decisions. The advantage of working with a team is the various ideas and perspectives that can arise. Although having a team of one or two enables you to come to conclusions quicker, it allows you to stick to a timeline that has been set. 

• What are your rates?

Not all realtors charge the same. Agents may charge hourly, monthly, or by a percentage of the sales price. You need to know your financial standing in order to know what services you can afford and how exactly those services will benefit you before hiring an agent. 

• What is your specialty in real estate?

You may come across a real estate agent that doesn’t do everything that involves purchasing, selling, or investing in properties. Some specialize in closing, others in managing property, or one may be a financial guru in the industry. Do not make the mistake of picking the first affordable agent that you come across. Do extensive research about their services and go through their references. This will help you a great deal without wasting time. 

There are plenty of questions that can be asked before you hire an estate agent, however, these will be your guiding map to who will help you buy, sell or invest in property. Don’t overthink the process of getting into real estate and know that with the best agents by your side, it will feel like a breeze.