Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Real Estate Agent

Smart consumers interview potential real estate agents before deciding on whom to hire. Just as you are sizing up the potential for a good fit, rest assured that the real estate agent will likely be interviewing you, too. Be wary of agents who don't ask you questions and probe for your motivation. You wouldn't work with just any agent off the street, and good agents are just as selective about their clients, too.

Caution: Don't interview agents from the same company!

1. How Long Have You Been in the Business?

The standard joke is there's nothing wrong with a new agent that a little experience won't fix. But that's not to say that freshly licensed agents aren't valuable. Newer agents tend to have more time to concentrate on you. Some agents with 20 years of experience repeat their first year over and over. Other 20-year agents learn something new every year.

2. What is Your Best Marketing Plan or Strategy for My Needs?

As a Seeker, you will need to know:

1. How will you search for my property?
2. How many properties will I likely see before I find a property I want ?
3. Will I be competing against other seekers?
4. How do you handle multiple offers?
5. Do you present offers yourself?

As a owner, you will need to know:

1. Specifically, how will you promote my property?
2. What is your direct mail campaign?
3. Where and how often do you advertise?
4. Will you show me a sample flyer?
5. How do you market online?

3. Will You Please Provide References?

Everybody has references. Even new agents have references from previous employers.

1. Ask to see references.
2. Ask if any of the individuals providing references are related to the agent.
3. Ask if you can call the references with additional questions.

4. What Are the Top Three Things That Separate You From Your Competition?

A good agent won't hesitate to answer this question and will be ready to fire off why he/she is best suited for the job. Everyone has their own standards, but most consumers say they are looking for agents who say they are:

1. Honest and trustworthy
2. Assertive
3. Excellent negotiators
4. Available by phone or e-mail
5. Good communicators
6. Friendly
7. Analytical
8. Able to maintain a good sense of humor under trying circumstances

5. . How Much Do You Charge?

Don't ask if the fee is negotiable. All real estate fees are negotiable. Typically, real estate agents charge 2 to 4 weeks rent.

6. What Kind of Guarantee Do You Offer?

If you sign a listing agreement with the agent and later find that you are unhappy with the arrangement, will the agent let you cancel the agreement? Will the agent stand behind her service to you? What is her company's policy about canceled agreements? Has anybody ever canceled an agreement with her before?

7. What Haven't I Asked You That I Need to Know?

Pay close attention to how the real estate agent answers this question because there is always something you need to know, always. You want an agent to take her time with you -- to make sure you feel comfortable and secure with his/her knowledge and experience. He/she should know how to listen and how to counsel you, how to ask the right questions to find out what he/she needs to know to better serve you.