Whether buying or selling a home, searching for an investment property, or exploring a new market, the real estate agent you choose to work with can make all the difference. We’ve compiled the top questions to ask prospective agents to help you make the best choice.
1. How long have you been a full-time real estate agent in my market?
Experience matters in real estate. Agents with significant local experience can provide insights into neighborhood trends and property values, which is important for making informed decisions. Understanding the nuances of the community where you’re buying or selling provides valuable insight into factors like schools, amenities, upcoming developments, and zoning regulations. This also helps ensure your home is priced competitively or you’re not overpaying as a buyer.
2. Have you established connections with other local professionals?
Having reliable contacts such as lenders, inspectors, contractors, and repair specialists can facilitate a smoother transaction process.
3. How many homes did your agency sell last year?
Understanding the sales volume for both the agent and the brokerage is a good way to gauge their experience and expertise. High sales volume suggests the agent knows how to navigate the market effectively and is skilled in negotiating deals that close successfully. For the agency, a strong sales performance highlights the strength of the entire team, resources, and network – all of which can benefit you.
4. Can you provide references?
Hearing from past clients can give you valuable insight into what it’s like to work with an agent. If they can’t provide references, it might be a red flag.
5. What’s your preferred method of communication and availability?
Understanding an agent’s preferred communication method ensures everyone is on the same page for timely updates, which can be critical in an active housing market. Whether they prefer phone calls, emails, or texts, understanding how they best operate – and if it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences – helps avoid miscommunication, speeds up response times, and fosters better collaboration.
6. How will you market my home?
If you’re selling, it’s essential to know how your agent plans to get your home in front of potential buyers. A solid marketing strategy might include online listings, social media promotion, and virtual tours.
7. How many of your clients are buyers? How many are sellers?
Many agents specialize in either working with buyers or sellers. Asking about the ratio of buyers to sellers can help determine if the agent’s expertise aligns with your needs—whether you’re buying or selling.
8. What is your average list-to-sale ratio?
This question helps you understand how effectively an agent prices homes and negotiates offers, providing insight into their skills in achieving favorable sales outcomes.
Our team at Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate is committed to helping you navigate the Columbus housing market. Our experienced agents have in-depth knowledge of the local housing market and can help you find the perfect home to meet your needs and budget or sell your home with confidence. Contact us today to get started.