Questions to ask a potential real estate agent

There’s a huge range of real estate businesses out there who can promise you the world and convince you to go with them for your next housing adventure. However, taking a little time to ask the right questions will give you a better idea of what they can offer you, and whether you even want to begin a relationship with them. 

Finding that perfect real estate broker and the realtor to make it happen is a key part of making your next purchase or sale a far smoother experience. Ask these questions to narrow down your search. 

How many years have you been in the business? 

It’s natural to want to find a realtor that has a lot of experience. The real estate market can change a lot, and if you’ve found a real estate business that has seen it all, you’re far more likely to trust them with finding you a new home or selling your current one. 

Do you work full-time or part-time? 

Part-time realtors are just as qualified as full-time ones. But if you’re keen to get things in motion as soon as possible, you may not want to go with someone who only does part-time hours. Choosing to go with a full-time realtor offers far more flexibility. 

Do you have any references? 

You’ve probably checked online for customer reviews. But how about asking them directly about where they can speak to their satisfied clients. If a real estate company claims to have been in the business for ten years, and they can’t give you a single good reference, be wary. It’s a big red flag when a long-lasting business cannot offer a single reference. 

How many clients do you currently work with? 

There’s a middle ground to look for when it comes to a realtor’s pool of clients. If they have too many, are they going to give you the right amount of care and attention? If they have far too few, is there a reason for this? 

Would I work with you or a member of your team? 

Sometimes an agent will sell you on entering into a close-knit relationship and then never talk to you again. Be very open about what you want out of this relationship, and make it clear that you’re not looking to be handed over to an assistant or another team member. 

What’s your availability like if we decide to go with you? 

A good realtor should work around your availability, not the other way around. Get confirmation on the working hours of an agent to avoid weeks of missed opportunities at home viewings and other miscommunications. 

What do you love about your job? 

This question is something of a wild card. But it’s one that’s going to give you a much better insight into the kind of business and people you may be about to work with. After all, if they don’t seem to care about what they do for a living, how are they going to care about making your dreams come true? 

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