If you’re buying or selling your home, you must find an agent you can trust. Asking the right questions can help ensure that you find the perfect fit. For example, you can ask an agent to provide sales data for homes they’ve listed and sold recently and contact information for previous clients. This can give you a sense of their experience and expertise.
How long have you been in business?
If you’re working with an agent for the first time, asking about their experience is essential. It’s also a good idea to ask how many clients they work with and how long it usually takes them to close on a home. If an agent juggles multiple clients, they may need help to give you the attention and guidance you need. Consider finding another agent. Some agents work with teams and have assistants, but make sure you find out who will be your point of contact to know who to call when there are last-minute closing snafus. Most real estate Toms River, NJ agents rely on text messaging and phone calls to communicate with their clients, so be sure to ask about their preferred communication methods.
How many homes have you helped sell?
Real estate agents should be able to communicate their experience and market knowledge. They should also be able to tell you how many homes they’ve helped sell and their average list-to-sales price ratio. A good agent should be able to set realistic expectations for buyers, which means telling them that it could take four weeks to six months to find their dream home and close on one. An agent should also be willing to promptly respond to your emails and texts, especially in hot markets where losing a potential home can happen within an hour. Consider another one if an agent isn’t promptly answering your calls or emails. Checking online reviews can also help. This will give you an idea of how well they work with clients.
How many homes have you helped buy?
A home is often the most significant purchase many people will make in their lifetime, so they want to ensure they’re working with a professional with the right experience and expertise. This question also helps to gauge whether the agent is familiar with local neighborhoods and can cite details such as average home prices, schools, public transportation options, cultural amenities, and safety measures. A top real estate agent will be able to quickly and confidently answer this question, as they should have a good understanding of market trends in their area. If they struggle to provide this information, consider choosing another agent. It’s also a good idea to determine whether the agent works full-time. This could affect how much time they can devote to helping you find and close your new home.
What is your price range?
Real estate agents should know how much you will pay for a home. This helps them focus on homes that fit their budget and saves time by eliminating properties they can’t afford. Tell your agent that you’re looking for a three-bedroom home in a specific neighborhood under $500K and can comfortably afford a loan up to that amount, assuming interest rates stay current. This approach allows you to see more homes while giving the agent some wiggle room when negotiating with sellers. Also, ask your agent if they’ll represent you as a buyer’s or seller’s agent, as these distinctions affect how well an agent will negotiate on your behalf. Some agents work as dual agents, while others are transactional agents that don’t represent either party in a deal.
What is your timeline?
The agent you choose will play a critical role in your home-buying or selling journey. If you’re selling your property, the realtor will help you line up finances and determine a listing price based on comparable sales in the area. Be sure to ask how long you will work with the agent and if they can meet your deadlines. A full-time real estate agent can be more available than one who works part-time and may have other obligations. Knowing how long the candidate has been in the business is also helpful. A long tenure means they’ve built relationships and gained expertise over time. This could benefit you down the road regarding negotiating deals and understanding market trends.