Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Hiring

Are you planning on selling a house in Brookings, South Dakota, in the near future? Congratulations! No matter if you’re a first-time seller or you’ve successfully sold properties in the past, this is an exciting time; however, selling a home can present certain challenges that might be better left to the professionals. Depending on your knowledge of the real estate market, it’s probably a good idea to seek out a Brookings Realtor or agent to help you navigate the waters of a real estate sale.

Especially in today’s red hot market, working with the right real estate agent is more important than ever. After all, their experience and expertise will not only help you find qualified buyers for your home but they will also alleviate some of the stressors that might pop up during your respective process.

But finding a real estate agent doesn’t mean you found the right agent. Sometimes, even the most successful agents may not fully understand the type of support you need when selling your home. To help make the process a little bit easier, the experts at Brookings Home Team have listed their top questions to ask a real estate agent prior to hiring them.

How does the home-selling process work?

Even with years of experience and numerous sales under their belt, selling a home isn’t easy. A lot of things can go wrong, even when all the pieces fall into place. As such, ask them to explain the process from start to finish. From home pricing tips to negotiating offers, you need to understand what’s involved. A qualified agent will take the time to explain the process in a way that’s easy to understand.

What type of qualifications do they have?

Before you do anything, you need to verify the agent’s qualifications. In addition to holding a valid state license, they also need to be an active member of the local real estate board. They need to have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) where they can list your property and hopefully attract potential buyers.

They should also have a few years of experience under their belt. Even though everyone has to start somewhere, it’s better to work with an experienced agent who understands the housing market and helps you find qualified buyers.

It’s also important to know whether they work full-time or part-time only. While there are plenty of successful real estate agents who only work part-time, selling your home quickly is a full-time job. Someone who’s only working part-time may not have the time to spare, especially if they’re working with multiple clients.

How many clients are they currently helping?

While you want to work with a real estate agent who’s in demand, you probably don’t want to get lost in the crowd. Agents who manage multiple clients might not give you the attention you deserve.

In addition, having a lot of clients doesn’t automatically mean they’re able to sell your home. They need to be well-versed in the process and under how market fluctuations can impact your ability to sell.

Do they work with a team of real estate professionals?

After verifying their credentials and experience, the question should be whether they work alone or on a team. In metropolitan areas, it’s not uncommon for agents to work on a team. Both scenarios have pros and cons, so it’s better to know in advance.

For example, if your agent works side by side with other agents, who will they hand work off to when they’re out of the office? If they work alone but have a support staff, will they be able to answer your questions if something comes up? Knowing this information in advance will ward off any miscommunication and prevent you from feeling like you’re being handed off to someone else.

How many houses have they sold?

Your real estate agent’s track record is also important. While an impressive selling history doesn’t guarantee a fast sale, agents who’ve sold numerous houses usually have a better understanding of what it takes to get your home in front of the right audience. You should ask about the number of homes they sold, how long those homes were on the market, and whether those sales went smoothly. (It never hurts to check out customer reviews, either.)

How much are their services?

Generally, real estate agents earn a six percent commission on each home sale, which is split between the listing agent and buyer’s agent. A qualified agent will be happy to break down how the commission works. You also need to inquire about cancellation fees. Since you’re entering into a contract, you may have to pay a penalty if it’s broken.

What are the additional costs of selling a home?

How much does it cost to sell your home? Because your house is one of the largest financial investments you’ll ever make, it’s natural to want a breakdown of any costs associated with selling it. In addition to the commission fee, there are closing costs, home inspection fees, a fee for title transfers, and possible attorney fees.

What is their preferred method of communication?

Everyone has a preference when it comes to communication. Some people prefer email while others prefer text messaging. Make sure you’re on the same page, so there’s no miscommunication. You should also discuss how often you will be in contact. Some sellers prefer weekly updates whereas others might want updates every two weeks.

Do they know the neighborhood(s) you’re looking at?

The real estate agent you hire should also specialize in selling homes in your neighborhood. While they don’t necessarily need to live there, they should have inside knowledge of the area and already sold homes similar to yours. They should know the top-selling points of the neighborhood and whether future development could affect the property value.

How will they help prepare your home for sale?

Once you decide to sell, there are a few things to consider before listing your home. You may want to paint, upgrade your appliances, and/or make other home improvements that will add value. Also, you should understand the importance of curb appeal and home staging. An experienced real estate agent will go over everything you need to do to get your house ready for prospective buyers.