Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions a person can make in their lifetime. However, many home buyers and sellers make the mistake of hiring the first Realtor they interview or hiring someone based solely on recommendations from friends and family.
In taking the time to interview and assess multiple Realtors, you get to explore different services and strategies offered by each agent, providing you with better chances of hiring the best candidate for your real estate goals.
HOW MANY REALTORS SHOULD YOU INTERVIEW?
Try to have at least three agents to consider before making a decision. By interviewing agents from different brokerages and backgrounds, you’ll gain fresh perspectives and make smarter decisions.
Each interview will take an hour at most. Consider the time spent as more than worth it if it means saving thousands of dollars in your home sale or purchase.
TOP QUESTIONS TO ASK
Choosing the right Realtor means asking the right questions like the ones below:
- How long have you been working in the industry? An experienced Realtor is better equipped to navigate any bumps in the road using a tried-and-tested strategy for getting the best deals in the Essex County market. Although years of experience don’t necessarily translate to success, a long-standing career in real estate is a good sign.
- Do you work alone or with a team? Both options have their pros and cons. For example, working with a team can give you round-the-clock availability but make sure you understand the team’s structure and clarify who is handling what during the entire transaction. Meanwhile, working with a single Realtor assures you that your chosen professional is hands-on in all aspects of your home sale or purchase.
- What area do you specialize in? Choose a Realtor who is knowledgeable about your area of interest. While some agents are neighborhood experts, others may have too wide of a scope to maintain an intimate knowledge of local markets like Essex County. Also, ensure that the Realtor has experience dealing with your specific needs, whether you are a long-term investor, first-time homebuyer, house flipper, or selling an estate.
- How many clients do you accommodate at a time? Make sure your Realtor has enough time for you and isn’t spread too thin. If they have a high volume of clients, ask how they plan to provide additional support.
- How do you usually communicate with your clients? Establish expectations on how often you should be updated, the best methods of communication, and who else needs to be kept in the loop, such as your spouse or other family members.
- Do you have a list of recommended vendors or professionals? A good Realtor should have developed relationships with trusted local professionals in affiliated industries such as lenders, title companies, contractors, and inspectors.
- Can you refer me to past clients? It’s important to learn about the Realtor’s customer service and work style from the point of view of past clients. Ask specific yet open-ended questions about their experience working with this Realtor and the strategies and plans that the Realtor utilized to meet their needs and expectations.
- Do you have any questions for me? The questions your potential Realtor asks you will reveal their mindset and priorities. When assessing your options, it’s wise to consider Realtors who are genuinely interested in understanding your unique needs.
Ready to invest in Essex County homes? Work smart by working with the right Realtor. You can get in touch with me, Frank DeZao, by calling 201.953.9376 or by sending me a message here.