Three Questions To Ask Before You Hire A Real Estate Agent

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A real estate agent can help you to sell your home, but you'll need to ask a few questions before hiring an agent to make sure you are an ideal match. You should both be on the same page with selling techniques and negotiations to complete a successful sale. Here are just a few questions you need to ask before you hire your real estate agent.

Will You Represent The Buyer?

Some real estate agents may represent both the buyer and seller in a home sale. When this happens, the real estate agent is required to be fair to all parties involved. For some sellers, however, this may be an uncomfortable position. Be honest with the agent about your feelings about having an agent work on both sides of the sale, and if you aren't comfortable, look for an agent who will commit to only handling your sale.

What Is Your History of Success?

You need to know that your real estate agent will be able to move your home. Ask to see your real estate agent's track record of success to determine if the agent is the right one for you. This shouldn't just include the number of successfully completed sales, but also a comparison of the list price to the sale price. If an agent sells a lot of homes but sells them for under the asking price, you may want to consider hiring a different agent. Be sure to talk to your agent about the stats, as they may be representative of a slow market or working with sellers in a saturated market. Understanding the the story behind the numbers can help you to make the right decision.

How Long Must My Home Remain Listed With You?

You want to make sure you have some flexibility when it comes to firing your agent. If your home isn't selling, you may want to switch real estate agents to help get your property sold. Real estate agent agreements can range from 30 days to a year, so be sure you understand how long the agreement will last for. If you do decide to cancel the agreement early, your real estate agent may require you to pay a termination fee. Be sure to have a complete understanding of all these details before hiring your real estate agent.

When you interview potential real estate agents, be sure to bring a list of these questions and any others you might have. Once you have all of the answers, you can make an informed decision about hiring an agent who is right for you.


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