Your Pop Quiz For Realtors
Sometimes the best way to learn about a candidate is through unconventional questions. Here are some interesting things to ask the people you’re thinking about hiring to help you buy or sell a home.
1) How long have you been an agent and how many sales do you average a year? (The second part of the question helps you find out how active they are.)
2) Can you and will you take a discounted percentage or a deferred commission if that is necessary to close the sale? (Some brokerage firms forbid this practice by their agents. Nonetheless, if you need to settle for a lower sale price or higher purchase price, is the agent willing to share in the outcome financially and be flexible if the outcome affects your short-term cash flow?)
3) (If selling) How much are you planning to spend to market this house? (You want a realtor who will do more than list it and leave it.)
4) How many of your clients are referrals? (If the majority of their transactions come this way, it’s a good indication of their success rate and connections.)
5) Are you involved in the negotiations? (You’re paying for their expertise. Make them be active participants who can play a role in getting you the best deal possible.)
6) How many clients do you currently have? (A big number is not a good answer, because it means you’re competing for their attention.)
e-Bay and Country Boy Connection both have more questions worth posing to potential realtors.