Answer to the Question - Should You Interview an Agent Before Working with Them...? YES!

As a first time buyer, you might be intimidated to ask a real estate agent a bunch of questions before working with that agent. Don't be. These people are going to be working for you and they will be your 'quarterback' for the home buying process. So here is our list of the top eleven questions that every first time buyer should ask a real estate agent before working with them:

11. How do you get paid? Hint - You don't pay for your agent to work for you, let them explain.

10. What is your current work load right now? Hint - A busy agent is good, you don't want someone who is out of the loop, but someone with less than four actively searching current buyers.

9. How many deals have you closed in the last three years? Hint - There is no right or wrong answer here. A new agent is not a bad thing; they will be hungry and will work hard for you. If you're interviewing a newer agent, ask about the support system such as their broker's (manager) involvement with their work.

8. Can I have three references of past first time buyer clients that have closed in the past 6-9 months? Hint - Again, if newer agent, ask for their broker's references.

7. Are there days you take off that I need to be aware of? Hint - You want an agent that is available when you are available. If Sundays are your best days to look at homes but the agent doesn't work on Sundays, you're going to have a problem.

6. Do you like your job? Hint - This will shock them a bit. Get them talking, ask "Why?" a lot. You want to work with a passionate, knowledgeable agent, not someone just looking to make a commission. You're looking for how they answer this question, not so much as the answer they give you.

5. What percentage of your business is dealing with first time home buyers? Can you give me an example of a creative negotiating tactic you recently used?

4. What was the biggest mistake that you made in the past 6 months and how did you handle it?

3. How many of your buyers had an appraisal that came in lower than the purchase price in the past 12 months? Hint - This happens sometimes, even with the buyer and agent knowing it might, but see how they respond.

2. Would you use any of your home inspectors that you recommend to your buyers for your home purchase?

1. Why should we trust you? Hint - We like open ended questions. Again, focus on how they answer this one instead of what they say.

"It is not a bad idea to get in the habit of writing down one's thoughts. It saves one having to bother anyone else with them." - Isabel Colegate

Written by Ryan Gable

Broker/CEO Starting Point Realty
Phone: 847.348.1154
Email: RyanGable@StartingPointRealty.com
www.startingpointrealty.com
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