Homeowners should interview a few potential brokers and sales representatives before deciding on one to sell their home. Here are some smart questions to ask:
1. How long have you been in the business?
A freshly-licensed agent can do a wonderful job and will have up-to-date training; those in the business longer bring more practical experience to the table. Your agent may be relativelty new to the business but he or she may have lots of other relevant experience, as a property investor or landlord, for example.
2. What support will you have available?
It is important that you are comfortable with other people or resources your agent will have available througout the process.
3. How will your marketing plan meet my needs?
Specifically, how will you sell my home? Where and how often do you advertise? How do you market online?
4. Will you provide references?
Ask for references, and ask if you can call them with additional questions.
5. What separates you from your competition?
Key phrases to listen for: assertive, available by phone or e-mail, analytical, professional, reliable, and able to maintain a good sense of humour under trying circumstances.
6. May I review documents that I will be asked to sign?
All forms should be available to you before you are required to sign them. Ask to see agency disclosure and the listing agreement
7. How will you help me find other professionals?
Ask if your agent can refer you to other professionals whose assistance may be required. For example, a skilled real estate attorney is an essential part of your team.
8. How much do you charge?
You don’t have to ask if the fee is negotiable, since all real estate fees are negotiated. It may be a good idea to ask what their commission fee is for your reference.
9. What kind of guarantee do you offer?
If you sign a listing agreement and later find that you are unhappy with the arrangement, will the agent and their broker let you cancel the agreement?
10. What haven’t I asked you that I need to know?
Pay close attention to how the agent answers this question, because there is always something you need to know--always.