When selling a house what questions should I ask the realestate agent?

Posted by admin on November 28th, 2009 and filed under realestate agent | 4 Comments »

Some charge more some less .Is the fee negotiable?

most realtors have a set percentage but you can always talk about it… they will tell you if their not interested…
found a web site with a bunch of home selling tips, you can find things about realtors and other important items.. hope it helps

http://www.danagardner.com/RealEstateTips/HomeSelling/default.aspx

4 Responses

  1. PhillyFilly Says:

    what is the profile of the buyers you believe would be interested in my home? if the agent gives you an answer like anyone who can afford it, that person is not planning to do their job effectively.
    References :

  2. Michael S Says:

    Commissions are negotiable by law and are never set… there are anti-trust laws against setting commissions amongst brokers.

    Also, a few good questions (and answers):

    Why did they choose Real Estate as a career? Is it only a hobby? Make sure your agent is fulltime and serious about their career. Ask about compensation: Does their broker provide all the overhead so there is no investment by the Agent or do they share in the expenses, thus creating a need for them to provide good service? Many agents are the second income earners for the family, or they just "like people". Those are not motivated Agents. Find one who makes Real Estate a full-time career and depends on it for a living. Stay away from any Agent who has a vague answer to this question, is in Real Estate just because other careers didn’t work out or is semi-retired.

    Are they computerized? This goes beyond the obvious computerized multiple listing service. If they are not at least on the multiple list system start walking away! As a minimum, today’s Agent should have a desktop or laptop personal computer and use it to store client data, record conversation notes and publish flyers. Agents on the cutting edge operate nearly paperless and utilize computer faxes and high quality publishing and printing capabilities. All serious Realtors have a World Wide Web Site!!!

    What is their education and training? Do they have specific training beyond the real estate license courses? These courses and many of the continuing education courses required by the state do little to enhance the ability of an Agent to find or sell a home. Look for agents with course work in college related to Real Estate or marketing & sales. Many non-credit sales training courses and seminars also provide good training. Course work in business law, contract law, economics and finance are very helpful. You should choose an Agent who is an expert in the field – not just picking it up with time. Many new agents provide greater benefits to their clients because of their education and past experience.

    Do they have "Real World" experience? First, they should have at least owned their own home at some point and preferably several homes. How can someone help you if they have not gone through it themselves? Also, assuming this is not their first job, have they been in related business fields with similar skill sets? An outside sales representative, advertising copy writer, marketing consultant, etc. will bring much to a Real Estate careers. It may be more difficult for a former teacher, accountant or skilled laborer to transition into Real Estate. Careful questioning will reveal if they have what it takes.

    What is their pricing & negotiating strategy? This answer should be "it depends". There is no fixed % to negotiate on a home; it depends on the market and Seller motivation. Two principles should dominate your purchase price strategy. First, if you have been looking at similar homes in a price range you know what you can expect for your money. The market determines price. Secondly, your agent should provide you with data on other homes that have sold in the area. This will allow you to determine sale price trends. This data should then allow you and your Agent to determine what you are willing to pay and the best way to get to that price.
    References :

  3. Taco L Says:

    Ask them what makes them better that any other Realtor?
    Ask them to give you a CMA and just get a general feeling if they are trustworthy. interview 4-5 agents they see what is the difference in price they recommend you list your property for. Some Realtor will tell you your home is worth more than it really is just to get the listing.

    The key to selling your home faster is to price it just right. An over price home will take longer to sell.

    The commission is negotiable but if it is too low (4% 2% for seller 2% for buyer) you won’t get a lot of showings. Some Realtors will not show anything under 5% (2 1/2 – 2 1/2 split)
    References :

  4. Pure Genius Says:

    most realtors have a set percentage but you can always talk about it… they will tell you if their not interested…
    found a web site with a bunch of home selling tips, you can find things about realtors and other important items.. hope it helps
    http://www.danagardner.com/RealEstateTips/HomeSelling/default.aspx
    References :

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