5 Important Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent
When you are ready to sell, buy or sell and buy your next home, chances are you start by looking for the right real estate agent to help. Maybe you hop online, do a quick Google search for “Loudoun Realtors” and go with the first name you see in your area. I mean, they’re all the same, right?
Not quite! There are certainly a lot of great real estate agents out there. (We happen to know a few!) But choosing the right professional to help you with this life-changing transaction or two should not be a simple matter. There is definitely a difference in experience, strategy, and ultimately results, from one agent to the next.
So, when you hire an agent, you should HIRE an agent. That means interviewing and researching them just like you would if you were hiring for a personal business. As you consult with Realtors to potentially hire (and do research online as we all do these days), here are five questions to ask a real estate agent.
How much experience do you have in this area?
Real estate agents who work full-time in your target market, whether buying or selling, will better understand the current and historical market trends, buyer preferences, and common negotiation strategies. All this is invaluable when setting a strategic listing price for sellers or when proposing a competitive offer price for buyers without overreaching in regard to the budget. Local knowledge is also incredibly helpful in your house hunt, homing in on listings and even off-market opportunities that match your requirements.
How long have you been in business, and what is your sales history in the area?
A home is a place to live and an investment, quite possibly the most expensive one that you will make. It is critical to hire an agent with demonstrable industry acumen which they’ll use to guide and safeguard your interests throughout a transaction. While inquiring about experience, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for a list of recent sales. An experienced agent with a successful track record will be eager to share this information.
Do you have references I can talk to?
In this day and age, online reviews are commonplace. They are certainly helpful, but they are just one piece of the puzzle! So, as part of your vetting process, ask the agent for references. Speaking with past clients and hearing their stories can provide you with an idea of what working with that real estate professional might look like.
Will I be working with just you or with a team?
There are lots of different team structures out there among Realtors. Some agents have a team working alongside them, while other agents work alone. This is not necessarily a predictor whether your experience with one or the other will be good or bad, but it’s important to get a sense of it beforehand. At the Garrell Group, we have a boutique team of experienced agents and real estate professionals on staff. Our top Loudoun real estate team includes dedicated listing agents and buyer agents, in-house staging, marketing and transaction coordinators. We find that this helps each team member to specialize and provide you with the detailed, personal attention you deserve, which only a team of experts can provide.
What makes you different from other agents?
This is a great final question to ask! Really listen to the response you receive. Does it sound like a sales pitch, or does it seem genuine and honest? Throughout your consultation, has the agent told you what you probably want to hear, or have they told you the truth? Above all when hiring a real estate agent, you want one with integrity, skills, compassion, and expert knowledge in your target market. These are the traits that it takes to reach the best possible outcome in your home sale and/or purchase!
Looking for a Top Loudoun County Realtor?
Hiring an agent to help with your real estate transaction is the first of many big decisions you’ll make. Just like searching for a home, it’s important to know what you are looking for in an agent and do the necessary research to find them. You absolutely deserve someone that you can trust, with a proven track record for getting results and a history of happy clients.
There’s a reason we are Loudoun County’s #1 real estate team, and it starts with how we care about our clients! Maybe that’s you? Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions and schedule a consultation to discuss your options. Contact us today!
