8 Questions You Ask Before Hiring a Realtor
When you’re shopping for a new home, you may ask your Realtor a number of questions. These questions help you know what kind of Realtor will be best suited to your needs. You can also learn about the services that the particular Realtor offers. But before hiring anyone, there are certain questions that you need to ask. Here’s a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about Realtors.
What does the Realtor have to do to help you? If you don’t understand how the Realtor can help you or whether they have any specific connections, ask to see references. Ask friends, family and co-workers if they can recommend a particular Realtor.
How much does it cost? You should be able to get an idea of the fees charged by different Realtors in your area. Find out what kind of retainer the realtor has and what you will have to pay out-of-pocket.
Who will be listing my homes? This is a very important question. Some realtors specialize in selling single family homes, while others may list multi-unit dwellings. The price per square foot will be different depending on which type of property the realtor is listing. Find out how often the realtor gets new listings. Get an idea of the time frame needed to list a house if you’re interested in buying a home quickly.
How much will inspections cost? If you’re putting down a large deposit, you need to have peace of mind that all aspects of the home will be in good condition. Ask if the Realtor will conduct a walk-through with an inspector beforehand. The inspector should be given access to the inside of the home, to show the condition of the furnace and plumbing, the wiring, and the exterior. If there are problems, they should tell you what you can expect to see after they inspect. It’s important to know what to expect because you don’t want surprises once you sign the contract.
What do I get in exchange for letting them advertise my house? A contract is usually signed when you meet with the Realtor to discuss your requirements. You’ll likely pay a fee for their services, or a flat fee for advertising your house. Any fees over and above the flat fee should be divided between you and the real estate professional who agreed to list your house.
What should I expect from the Realtor? Find out how long it will take for the agent to find the right property for you and your needs. Find out how soon you’ll receive updates on your purchase and on the progress of the negotiations. You should also ask about the warranty and whether or not repairs will be covered.
What can I do if I decide to hire another Realtor? Ask your friends and family who they use and whether they are happy with the agent they got. You can also read reviews online about the realtor you’re interested in working with. You’ll likely find plenty of reviews by others who have worked with that particular Realtor before you make a decision.
Why do I need to get a copy of the contract before I hire the agent? Asking for a copy of a contract is important because you’ll need to know what kind of services the agent is providing before you agree to anything. Most agents charge you a fee for this service, so it makes sense to get a copy. In fact, you may even be asked to bring it with you when you sign the papers. If an agent offers to give you a hard copy, find out what you should do with it before you sign anything.
How will I know if I’m getting a good deal on my home? Ask yourself a few questions to help you determine whether you’re on the right track to find a good property or not. There are a number of ways to find out whether the price of the home you’re looking at is a good bargain:
Can I learn about selling homes online? If you’re looking for a way to save time and effort without losing anything, you can always rely on the Internet to answer your questions. The Internet has helped people all over the country get free advice from real estate agents without ever leaving their homes. In addition, you can read helpful articles and get valuable information from successful real estate agents without paying them a dime.
How will I know if the agent I’m considering is right for me? You’ll never get the answers to these questions before hiring a real estate agent, but there are still some ways to figure things out. For example, ask yourself how much you have to sell a house for in order to get a certain amount. Also ask yourself whether or not you can afford to pay monthly payments, and whether or not you want to sell your house for more than you bought it for.
