Author bio section

I am the author of this blog and also a top-producing Loan Officer and CEO of InstaMortgage Inc, the fastest-growing mortgage company in America. All the advice is based on my experience of helping thousands of homebuyers and homeowners. We are a mortgage company and will help you with all your mortgage needs. Unlike lead generation websites, we do not sell your information to multiple lenders or third-party companies.

Need to choose a real estate agent? Your agent will be your partner throughout the whole process – you want to make sure you hire a great one!

Here are the most important things to keep in mind as you make your choice. 

 

Choose a Real Estate Agent After Interviewing a Few

Do you think it would be a good idea to buy the very first home that you see on the market? Probably not, right? It makes sense to look around. Even if you really like the first house you see, you may find a home that you absolutely love. 

The same principle applies to just about anything. From buying something off Amazon to getting a new job, it’s a good idea to shop around. By investigating multiple options, you’re more likely to get a great deal and find what you want. 

By interviewing several real estate agents, you’ll see the same benefit. You want a buyer’s agent that will help you find a great property that meets as many of your needs as possible. You want a listing agent who knows how to market your property and get it in front of thousands of potential buyers. 

What do you ask when you interview real estate agents? Good question – here are a few suggestions. 

 

How to Choose a Real Estate Agent to Interview

The great thing about the internet is it gives you a lot of power at your fingertips. It’s easy to quickly find a lot of real estate agents in your area.

The problem is that it’s easy to find a lot of agents in your area!

Information overload is a thing. When we have too many choices, it can paralyze us and make it harder to make a decision. 

That’s why we recommend using two sources: the internet and friends and family. 

Ask your friends and family if they have anyone they can recommend. Don’t just ask who they recommend, but also why. 

At the same time, use the internet to find some local agents. Don’t just look at their websites – what do their clients’ reviews say about their experience with the agents?

The sweet spot is if these two areas merge. If you have friends and families recommending someone that also has great reviews, that agent is a good candidate to interview. 

Questions to Ask Real Estate Agents

“Are you an agent full-time or part-time?” One thing you’ll find in this industry is that a lot of people are doing real estate on the side for extra cash. You can go with a part-time agent if you want, but just keep in mind they’ll have other career responsibilities that are clashing with helping you find your home. 

“How long have you been a real estate agent?” Experience isn’t everything, but it certainly helps. Someone who has been around the block a few times will know how to navigate challenges, things to watch out for, how to negotiate and how to comp your home against others. 

“How much do you charge?” This is a question that didn’t use to matter very much, but these days it is important. That’s because some listing agents have started lowering their commission fees so you can keep more in your own pockets! Each one is different though, for example, they may say they will only charge 1.5% to list the home if you also use them as your buying agent, where they’d get a full 3% commission. 

“What is your average list price to sell price ratio?” Targeted towards listing agents, this question helps you understand how good the agent is at listing the home for the right price upfront. It also helps you understand their ability to market the home – the higher the ratio, the better they marketed it. 

“What is your availability right now?” Some agents are slammed and may not be able to give you as much time as you’d like. This is important because great homes sell fast in today’s world. This article from Zillow said the average home last September sold in 25 days, but a lot of them were selling in less than 2 weeks. Sometimes they’ll get offers without even being seen! That’s why it’s important to have a flexible, available agent who can quickly set up a tour through a home that was just listed. 

 

Conclusion

Do you have any questions about how to choose a real estate agent? Or maybe you’re confused about the mortgage process? Send us an email at [email protected]!