So you are thinking about selling your house, probably your largest asset. You want someone on your side that is going to represent you and your property to the best of their abilities. So how do you tell when you first meet an agent if they have the experience, the expertise, the professionalism and a proven track record. Well you can't really tell by just looking at them, anyone can wear a nice suit and anyone can make you feel special, but this does not mean they are qualified to promote the sale of your property.
Below are 20 questions that you should probably ask any potential real estate agent and you should be satisfied by the answers they give in order to employ their services. You are after all paying quite a large sum of money to them, so it pays to be diligent and get it right.
- How many years have your been in the Real Estate Industry?
- How long have you been in the industry locally?
- In the past year how many properties have you sold?
- How much is your commission?
- What do I have to pay if you fail to sell my property?
- Can you please outline your marketing strategies?
- Can you give me an idea of how successful your marketing strategies have been?
- What are your preferred forms of advertising?
- From the sources you use what are the most successful for attracting buyers?
- Give a rough estimate of how many potential purchasers do you currently have on your books that may be interested in this property?
- What marketing is included in the commission and how much extra will your particular marketing campaign cost me?
- Is internet advertising part of your selling strategy?
- If so which sites do you use and which do you find offer the best results?
- Do you believe that open homes are a good idea; do you believe that they attract more buyers?
- Please give me some idea of the variation between asking price and selling price in the local market over the last 6 to 12 months?
- Currently what is the time frame for selling a property locally from the first marketing activity to sale?
- How long is your agencies period?
- If I am unhappy with the level of service I receive and believe that the agent responsible for selling my property did not live up to promises of expectations what recourse do I have?
- Do or your agency offer a Guarantee of Service?
- Why do you believe that I should employ you as the agent to sell my property?
If the agent fails the answer the questions you ask to your satisfaction, maybe they are not the agent to sell your property for you. Shop around, the best price may not be the best way to sell your property, find someone whom you believe can best represent you and your property.
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