Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent

Many sellers interview multiple real estate agents before choosing one.  And, just as you are sizing up a potential agent for a good fit, rest assured that they are evaluating you as well.  Be wary of agents who don’t ask many questions and/or who fail to thoroughly explore your expectations and aspirations for your property.

This three-part series presents questions you should ask before you make that final decision on a real estate agent, a person you will partner with for the next few months.

How long have you been in business?  It makes sense that the longer a person is in a business, the more experience they have and the better equipped they are to successfully negotiate your sale.  Also be sure to ask if the agent works full-time in real estate; a part-time agent may provide part-time service. And when selling, in many cases, the estate’s most expensive asset, you deserve full-time, focused help.

What is your average list-price-to-sales-price ratio? A competent listing agent will hold a track record for negotiating sales prices that are very close to list prices, typically between 95 and 100%.

Will you provide references?  Everybody has references.  Even a novice agent will have references from previous employers.  Follow these guidelines:

• Ask to see written references (the more recent, the better)
• Ask if any of the agent’s references are related to him or her
• Request permission to contact references for additional information

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