Buying or selling can be a daunting task. If you’re buying a home, there is so much to pick and choose from: First, there is the home itself—how many bedrooms do you need, bathrooms, the overall size and amenities. Then, what is the best neighborhood for you, schools for your children and the commute you will have to take each day. And then figuring out how much all of that is worth. When it comes to selling your home, emotions can run high. Can you fairly put a price on a place you built memories? Are you the best negotiator for a sale this large?
This is where real estate agents come in. They are trained individuals who know all the nuances of buying and selling property and know the market to be able to not only price a home fairly, but also help find a home that will fit your needs. So how do you go about finding an agent who will fit your needs?
It all comes down to interviewing agents.
We asked a handful of the best agents in Northern Virginia to give a quick tutorial on the first step in buying or selling your home.
12 questions to ask an agent before signing on the dotted line
1. Ask for references and call them to get an idea of the level of service your agent provided. Was the agent a strong advocate for their clients, did they respond quickly and thoroughly?
2. How long have you been an agent?
3. How many transactions per year do you do?
4. What percentage of listings versus buyers do you typically represent?
5. What is your process for assisting buyers?
6. Are you an individual agent or are you on a team?
7. How many homes have you sold in the past one to two years?
8. Do you do dual representation?
9. What is your experience working in this community?
10. What is your online marketing plan for listing the home? Do you provide professional video, photography, staging and home inspection services at no cost to me?
11. Will you personally be handling the showings and negotiations on my purchase?
12. Can I fire you at any time if I am not happy with your service?
“The best approach is to get someone whose judgement you trust to see if they have an agent that they highly recommend. Ask them, as well as the agent, if this agent would put the client’s interests above their own. There are agents who are highly competent, who have integrity and who really care and it is worth the effort to find them.” –Judy Cranford, Cranford & Associates
