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Why would a buyer looking to buy a home need to interview a real estate agent? Because you are hiring the real estate agent to help you find and purchase a home, most likely one of the most expensive investments you may ever make. It is a good idea to know some things about your realtor who will be representing you when you purchase the home. The realtor is your advocate in the market place so you want to make sure he or she is well qualified to handle the transaction professionally, ethically and timely. To help you in your search for a great real estate agent, below are some things you should ask in your interview with them:
How long have you been a real estate agent? In the business of buying and selling real estate, there are always unexpected situations that can come up. This is why you want someone with some experience so they can help you overcome the unexpected hurdles that are sure to come up. Even though a new agent may spend loads of time with you, they may not be able to accomplish the same thing an experienced realtor could do in a fraction of the time. Experienced realtors often come with an full Rolodex of contacts and potential buyers and sellers. This could be the difference between finding the home of your dreams or settling for whats left over.
It is easy finding a home but make sure your agent can draft a contract, negotiate the best terms for you and perform all the necessary and required documentations. Make sure the real estate agent is experienced, educated and knowledgeable in the purchase of homes because a small mistake can cost the buyer a lot of headache, time and sometimes money. Always ask for your realtor's background, education and experience.
What is your strategy of searching for and finding a home? A good real estate agent will have a plan in place on how to go about helping you find the home you want to buy. Your realtor should arrange to meet with a lender, if you don't have your own lender, to determine how much house you can afford before he or she begins to show you homes. It is important to know what your realtor's job duties are and what he or she expects of you as the buyer.
How do you negotiate the best deals for your buyers? Don't hesitate to ask your agent if he or she will help you decide on a price to offer after you've found the home you like. Ask for examples of how they helped buyers to get a good price on their home. Negotiation is tough and is something that can't be learned in a classroom. Your realtor should have plenty of experience in the drivers seat of the critical offer stages of purchasing and selling a home.
One example is if the buyer wants the seller to pay closing costs and as well as some repair costs. In this situation, the seller may agree to pay one and deny the other. Instead of walking away from the deal completely or agreeing to both, a creative realtor may suggest an alternative option. This option might include the buyer paying for an alternative cost not previously considered, like new appliances etc or increasing the offer price to include that cost. A real estate agents ability to be composed and creative in the hot seat of a negotiation can't be overstated.
Can you please provide references? References and testimonials are important because they tell you how your realtor will work with you. References come from past clients so when a real estate agent has the knowledge, ability and patience to help families and individuals, they will say so. Good references should say more than just, "great job" or that Tom is a wonderful real estate agent. Look for references that actually say what the real estate agent did that makes them different from others. If the agent is new ask for references from their broker or past employers and colleagues.
How long have you been a real estate agent? In the business of buying and selling real estate, there are always unexpected situations that can come up. This is why you want someone with some experience so they can help you overcome the unexpected hurdles that are sure to come up. Even though a new agent may spend loads of time with you, they may not be able to accomplish the same thing an experienced realtor could do in a fraction of the time. Experienced realtors often come with an full Rolodex of contacts and potential buyers and sellers. This could be the difference between finding the home of your dreams or settling for whats left over.
It is easy finding a home but make sure your agent can draft a contract, negotiate the best terms for you and perform all the necessary and required documentations. Make sure the real estate agent is experienced, educated and knowledgeable in the purchase of homes because a small mistake can cost the buyer a lot of headache, time and sometimes money. Always ask for your realtor's background, education and experience.
What is your strategy of searching for and finding a home? A good real estate agent will have a plan in place on how to go about helping you find the home you want to buy. Your realtor should arrange to meet with a lender, if you don't have your own lender, to determine how much house you can afford before he or she begins to show you homes. It is important to know what your realtor's job duties are and what he or she expects of you as the buyer.
How do you negotiate the best deals for your buyers? Don't hesitate to ask your agent if he or she will help you decide on a price to offer after you've found the home you like. Ask for examples of how they helped buyers to get a good price on their home. Negotiation is tough and is something that can't be learned in a classroom. Your realtor should have plenty of experience in the drivers seat of the critical offer stages of purchasing and selling a home.
One example is if the buyer wants the seller to pay closing costs and as well as some repair costs. In this situation, the seller may agree to pay one and deny the other. Instead of walking away from the deal completely or agreeing to both, a creative realtor may suggest an alternative option. This option might include the buyer paying for an alternative cost not previously considered, like new appliances etc or increasing the offer price to include that cost. A real estate agents ability to be composed and creative in the hot seat of a negotiation can't be overstated.
Can you please provide references? References and testimonials are important because they tell you how your realtor will work with you. References come from past clients so when a real estate agent has the knowledge, ability and patience to help families and individuals, they will say so. Good references should say more than just, "great job" or that Tom is a wonderful real estate agent. Look for references that actually say what the real estate agent did that makes them different from others. If the agent is new ask for references from their broker or past employers and colleagues.
About the Author:
Grace Ojuka is a real estate agent focusing on Provo homes for sale. She has been helping home buyers for in the Utah real estate market for over 11 years. She specializes in helping young families make the jump from renting to owning their own home particularly through provo foreclosures and short sales.
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