Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your House:
Agent Experience
• How long have you been selling residential real estate?
• How many homes did you sell this year?
• How many days did it take to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market?
• What is the average ratio between the listing price and the selling price?
• What is your experience with my neighborhood?
• Perhaps most important, is this your full time profession?
• How involved are you in Community Work?
• What is your education, training, and background? What is your business philosophy?
Marketing Plan
• How do you propose to market my house? Open houses, previews for agents, yard signs, listings on one or more Multiple Listing Services? Other websites?
• At open houses: will you be there to interact with potential buyers? How often will there be an open house at my property?
• What advertising will you do & why? Online ads, newspaper ads, direct mail? E-mail campaigns?
• What sort of Web marketing can I expect? Photos, virtual tours, links to other Web sites? A designated Property Website?
• Do you take professional-grade photographs (or work with actual professional photographers) so potential buyers can see numerous great photos of my home?
• How often do you expect to communicate with me regarding inquiries and other buyer interest?
• How many people are on your team and how will each team member add value to my sale?
• Will you represent me exclusively or will you represent both buyer and seller in the transaction? Explain, please, the agency relationship and the rights of each party in a real estate transaction.
Personal Info
• Do you consider yourself readily accessible? Evenings, weekends, by cell phone, text, or e-mail?
• Do you expect to be out of the office while my home is listed (vacation, etc.)?
• If so, who will be handling the listing in your absence?
• Can you provide (at least) three references?
• What Are the Top Three Things That Separate You From Your Competition? In an answer most look for these traits:
• Honest and trustworthy
• Assertive
• Excellent negotiator
• Available by phone or e-mail
• Good communicator
• Friendly
• Analytical
• Able to maintain a good sense of humor under trying circumstances
Money Matters
•What do you think my home is worth, and how do you determine your valuations?
• What do you recommend I do to prepare my home for sale and what will it cost me to do the things you recommend? Can you recommend service providers who can help me get my house ready for sale?
• What will the commission be on my sale?
• “That’s a hunk of change” (or something to that effect). Why do you believe you’re worth it?
By Sheri Bienstock
www.thebienstockgroup.com
