Interview an Agent

Smart consumers interview potential real estate agents before deciding on whom to hire. Just as you are sizing up the potential for a good fit, rest assured that the real estate agent will likely be interviewing you, too. Be wary of agents who don't ask you questions and probe for your motivation. You wouldn't work with just any agent off the street, and good agents are just as selective about their clients, too.   Ask.com has some really good questions, as well as the answers you should expect from a good agent. Read the article here, then read below for my answers. 1. How Long Have You Been in (the) Business? I have been negotiating high-value purchase and sale agreements and sales contracts for my employers since 1984 I have moved 32 times in my life and have purchased 7 homes from and through real estate agents. I have been a full-time professional real estate agent since 2004. 2. What is Your Average List-Price-to-Sales-Price Ratio? Listing agent: 97.6% Buyer's agent: 92.3% 3. What is Your Best Marketing Plan or Strategy for My Needs? Selling (the complete list is too long to print here): Help you prepare the house for sale Price the house right List house on the MLS Blast email campaign to area top 100 agents Mass mailings to neighborhood and likely buyers Lots of advertising in the media (we have the largest ratio of per-property advertising) Color flyers on the signpost and in the house Helping you as a buyer (again, this is a shortened version of the complete list): Do a thorough review of your needs and wants Computer search emailed to you every morning at 6:00 a.m. Visit pre-screened houses for 2 hours each weekday, more on the weekends, depending on your schedule and stamina. Perform a comprehensive value analysis prior to making an offer. 4. Will You Please Provide References? Yes, gladly. Here are some testimonials. For privacy reasons, call me at 206-234-5660 for full names and phone numbers. 5. What Are the Top Three Things That Separate You From Your Competition? Good communicator and negotiator Honest and trustworthy Friendly but assertive 6. May I Review Documents That I Will Be Asked to Sign Beforehand? Yes, before signing anything, you should review: Agency Disclosure Listing Agreement Seller Disclosures As your agent, I will also review these documents for you and with you, prior to signing: Purchase and sale agreement Financial qualification documents Closing statement 7. How Will You Help Me Find Other Professionals? On my website you'll find the following links to trusted associates I have done business with: Reliable mortgage company (call me for my favorite loan consultant) Title Company Escrow Company Insurance Company Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Real Estate and Estate Planning Attorney 1031 Exchanger . 8. How Much Do You Charge? Representing a seller as the listing agent: 1%-7%, depending on the circumstances Being your buyer's agent: no charge to you in most cases 9. What Kind of Guarantee Do You Offer? I guarantee that you will be pleased with my services. Although it has never happened, you may cancel your agreement with me at anytime. 10. What Haven't I Asked You That I Need to Know? Q: What is your deadline? A: I have no personal agenda or deadlines, I will go as fast or as slow as you need me to be. Q: Who is the best agent you ever saw? A: You're looking at his website!