So, you’re preparing to buy a home. You might have read somewhere that it’s best to work with an agent, and you’d be right. Buyer’s agents will assist you with paperwork, house showings, offers, and the closing process. Having the right real estate agent in your corner is imperative, especially because they’re legally obligated to serve your best interests.
The daunting task you’re up against is finding an amazing real estate agent who meshes with your personality. And if you’ve done your research and found a few agents you could see yourself working with, the next step is to interview them for the job.
You might be wondering, What questions should I ask?
1. Do you work in real estate full-time?
Full-time agents, unsurprisingly, have more time to commit to their clients. They’re also more invested because their entire income revolves around commission on home sales. It’s not to say that part-time agents are lazy, but they’ll have less time to assist you in a smooth transaction.
2. What types of homes do you sell? Do you assist clients in my market?
Experience in the real estate industry isn’t created equal. The ideal agent knows how to sell similar homes in your local market. Find someone who understands the area and has past transaction history to back it up. If you have your eye on a particular neighborhood, ask the agents you’re interviewing if they have relevant experience.
3. How do you prefer to communicate and when can I contact you?
Communication with your real estate agent is vital to a successful sale. Whether it’s over text, email, chat, or phone calls, you should use the mode of communication that works best for both parties. Besides being an excellent communicator, there is a myriad of other qualities that you’ll want in an agent.
4. How will you share new listings with me?
The vast majority of homebuyers are house hunting online. Agents are likely to send you listings via email or text. If there’s a particular app the agent uses to assist clients with the newest listings and open houses, ask for help if you are having trouble using it.
5. What red flags about a property do you discuss with your clients?
This question relates to trust and honesty. You’ll want to know if the agent you’re interviewing will be forthcoming about major flaws in a house like mold, a poor foundation, or things that seem “off”. Ask for one or two examples of recent red flags he or she has pointed out to buyers during their house hunt. Agents who openly discuss flaws with you will respect your time, serve in your best interest, and help you narrow down your dream home.
6. Am I required to sign a buyer’s agent agreement with you, and if so, is there a penalty to cancel early?
This is a great question to ask up front as buyer’s agents receive a commission on a home’s sale. These agreements typically last 90 days but may extend if you both enjoy working together. You’ll also want to know if you can bow out of the agreement early and if there’s a fee.
7. How many clients have you helped and how many clients are you actively helping?
Most people ask agents how many years they’ve been in the business, but that’s the wrong question. An agent can say they’ve worked full-time for five years but only have closed 10 transactions. You can get a feel for the agent’s experience level by hearing the answer. If you get the sense that the agent is too tied up to address your buying needs, you might want to look elsewhere.
8. Who is on your real estate team and who would I work with?
Real estate teams are made up of two or more agents who split the work of helping clients buy homes. Working with a team might give you greater insider knowledge related to offers or neighborhoods in your area because agents share strategies. However, if you’d prefer to have one agent represent you, choose an agent who works alone.
9. Do you have client reviews or references you could show me?
A rockstar agent should be very happy to provide reviews and references from his or her past clients. Even newer agents can share references from past employers, volunteer work, or professional organizations.
10. What do you want to know about me?
You’ll know you’ve found an amazing agent if he or she has questions for you after your interview! Working with an agent who is eager to learn about you and your unique situation will start the relationship off right.
The Bottom Line
When finding a real estate agent for your home buying needs, it pays to practice due diligence. Asking agents specific questions in interviews will help you set expectations about how they work and represent their business. Use this guide as a starting point and integrate your own questions for a personalized interview.
Remember to ask agents if they want to meet with you in person, via video conference, or over the phone. Offer to buy coffee if you’re meeting in a public place. Finally, show up a few minutes early and make sure to give them your undivided attention.
