10 Questions you should be asking before choosing an agent

Deciding to buy a home or sell one is a huge decision to make, and one you likely didn’t come to without careful thought and consideration. So why not give as much care to deciding which agent will represent you? Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest investments of your life, and finding a Real Estate Agent that knows the Raleigh market like the back of their hand is essential. If you’re thinking, okay, but how do I figure that out? You’re not alone. Many home buyers and sellers aren’t quite sure where to start looking or what questions to ask. So we’ve compiled a list of 10 essential questions to ask an agent hire before deciding to use them!

1. Is real estate a full-time job for you?

While this may seem like an odd question, it’s important to ask. You want to find an agent who works the market full time, not just on the side. This is especially important in a market as fast-paced as North Carolina’s, where an agent who is fully involved in the everyday twists and turns of the area will have a better insight and reach. Buyers and sellers in this market have to act fast, and you’ll want to ensure the agent you work with is available for that kind of quick decision-making and communication demand.

2. How many clients have you helped/currently helping?

A reputable agent will likely have a long list of clients they’ve helped and be at the ready if you ask for referrals. Another great sign is agents who have return clients! While you may think about asking how many years they have been in business, this can be tricky. An agent who’s been selling and buying for ten years may have had just as many clients as a new agent. Asking the agent how many people they are currently helping and if it’s a mix of buyers vs. sellers can indicate their ability to juggle clients. You don’t want someone who is maxed out, but if they currently are working with no one, this is a red flag as well.

3. Who is on your real estate team?

By team, we mean who the agent is working with. Do they have an assistant, preferred lender, services, etc.? An agent who has a lender they recommend – but don’t push – can be helpful, especially for new home buyers. Many sellers will also require work to be done to their home before listing, and an agent with a list of their trusted painters and handymen saves time and money.

4. How do your fees work?

When selling a house, you are paying a commission to your agent and buyer’s agent. You’re paying for the agents who will be working around the clock showing your home, answering questions, compiling paperwork, and marketing your house. [Buyers typically never pay commission to their agent.] You may find an agent willing to cut their commission fees or work out a deal with you – but that doesn’t mean they are the right fit. The best agent is the one who meshes well with your goals, communication style and makes you feel confident in the process.

5. What is your competitive advantage?

With thousands of realtors in Raleigh alone, you want to make sure the one you’re working with is confident that they can get the job done for you, whether buying or selling. If you ask an agent what sets them apart, how they will negotiate for you, or the advantage of working with them, and they don’t have an answer, it’s time to interview the next agent. With Raleigh’s competitive market, you want to ensure your agent will go to bat for you while giving you an experience that makes you feel like a priority. At Acorn Real Estate Company, we believe in providing a luxury experience for every client while fostering a dignified and stress-free process. We also believe adaptation is key and strive to stay a step ahead of the ever-changing Raleigh market and real estate process.

6. Will I be working with you directly or your team?

Imagine interviewing an agent and feeling confident and excited to work with them, only to find out everything is passed onto their team. That can be super frustrating and make building trust difficult. This isn’t to say it’s a negative thing; however if you work with several different team members during the process, ensure you’re offered introductions and understandings of everyone’s role. If forming a relationship and getting one-on-one undivided attention is important to you, consider an agent who works directly with you and is transparent about any partnering dealings.

7. Can you show me your online presence?

With the pace of technology these days and the importance of online presence, you’ll want to check out the agents’ websites and social media. This alone shouldn’t be a deciding factor in the agent’s skill, but a website with client testimonials and information on their process can be a huge help in decision making. An agent whose site is up-to-date and shows signs of good marketing will be more apt to use technology to get your home in front of more people or find you the right home.

8. How do you plan to market my home?

It’s not enough to stick a for-sale sign in the yard and call it a day. Marketing a home and getting top dollar takes some finesse and know-how. A listing agent should have a proven process they use and be able to share that with you, from social media sharing to networking within the community.

9. What does your process look like for buying/selling?

Some agents prefer a hands-on process, and some expect you to keep track of inspections, closing details, and other details. Of course, this is a personal preference on both ends, but you’ll want to understand how involved your agent will be and let them know what you expect as well to ensure this aligns. At Acorn Real Estate Company, we take a hands-on approach. We know how stressful and confusing buying and selling can be and work our hardest to create an experience that is as simple and stress-free as possible.

10. Specific-to-you questions

Every home buyer and seller is going to be a little different. Everyone has a different goal, set of needs, or experience level with buying and selling, and it’s good to let the agent you’re hiring know this up-front. Perhaps you’re hoping for a short sale or looking to buy a foreclosed property – these are all details that should be brought up and used to determine the agent’s experience and comfort level with your exact needs.