10 questions to ask when hiring a REALTOR®
Home owners should interview a few potential REALTORS® 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 REALTOR® can do a wonderful job and will have up-to-date training; those in the business longer bring more practical experience to the table.
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2. What is your average list-to-sales-price ratio?
A listing REALTOR® should hold a track record for negotiating sales prices that are very close to list prices.
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3. How will your marketing plan meet my needs?
Specifically, how will you sell my home? Where and how often do you advertise? Will you show me a sample flier? How do you market online?
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4. Will you provide references?
Ask if any of the references are related to the REALTOR®. Ask if you can call their references with additional questions.
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5. What separates you from your competition?
Key phrases to listen for: assertive, available by phone or e-mail, analytical, able to maintain a good sense of humour under trying circumstances.
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6. May I review documents that I will be asked to sign?
A good REALTOR® makes forms available to you before you are required to sign them. Ask to see agency disclosure, listing agreement, seller disclosure.
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7. How will you help me find other professionals?
Ask for a written list of referring vendors. Get an explanation if you see the term "affiliated". It could mean the REALTOR® is getting compensation from vendors.
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8. How much do you charge?
You don't have to ask if the fee or commission is negotiable, since all real estate fees are negotiated.
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9. What if I’m unhappy with the service?
If you sign a listing agreement with the REALTOR® and later find that you are unhappy with the arrangement, will the REALTOR® let you cancel the agreement?
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10. What haven't I asked you that I need to know?
Pay close attention to how the REALTOR® answers this question, because there is always something you need to know - always.
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