The process of buying a home can be made easier when you have a Realtor by your side. They can help you find the right home in your preferred location at the price that you want.
Here are 10 questions you can ask a potential Realtor to find out if they’re the right fit for you:
- How long have you been in the business?
Skill doesn’t always go hand in hand with the number of years a realtor has been in the business. However, it is one of the more reliable measures of professional ability. Experienced Realtors typically have a better handle on the local housing market and often already have an established network.
- How will you find the right property for me?
A good Realtor should be able to provide you with more nuanced advice about the properties and neighborhoods you’re interested in. They should be able to give you information that’s more detailed than what’s on online listing sites and should be able to provide you with access to off-market listings.
- How long does it take you to find the right home?
If you need to find a new home as quickly as possible, then you’ll want to work with a Realtor who will be able to adjust to your timeline.
- Do you have an assistant or do you work independently?
You want a Realtor who will attend to your needs personally, but some do have teams. If a Realtor won’t be handling all the steps of the process themselves, you will want to make sure that their team is just as qualified to handle your needs. You do not want to be handed off to someone with less experience.
- How do you communicate with your clients?
Communication is important between you and your agent. Ask how they intend to keep in touch with you and identify if it fits with your own communication style. This is also the time to be clear about how you would like to be reached.
- What can you tell me about the neighborhood I want to move into?
A good Realtor should have an excellent knowledge of the neighborhood you want to move into. They should be able to provide you with relevant information on the area, from its market trends to the kind of commute you can expect.
- Would you be able to help me with the loan process?
Ask your Realtor if they have recommendations when it comes to lenders, insurance agents, and so on. They may be able to point you in the right direction if you’re still trying to lock down your financing.
- Would you clarify the home shopping process?
Ask them to define how they can help with the home shopping process. Will they accompany you to open houses? Do they have access to foreclosures and short sales? What happens if you find a home that you like without their help?
- Would you please clarify the fine print?
It is important that a Realtor be able to explain the details of the terms and conditions of their services.
- Can you provide references?
There’s nothing like a word of mouth recommendation. When you’re choosing a Realtor, you will want to find out what their past performance has been like – and who better to ask than their past clients.
If you want an experienced Realtor by your side, call me at 760 622 5087 or send me a message today.
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