Wednesday, September 7, 2022 / by Jennifer Haubner-Vories
QUESTIONS TO USE WHEN INTERVIEWING REALTORS! & Red Flags To Look For.
QUESTIONS TO USE WHEN INTERVIEWING REALTORS!
& Red Flags To Look For.
92% of Homes Sold in the U.S. in 2021 Were Sold Using an Agent or Broker. (Source: Realtor Pro)
We know, we know- you think you could sell your home just the same as any ol’ Realtor could & save money in the end. We hate to break it to you sweetheart, but that's not true! Not only do Realtors offer a wide range of services outside of just selling your home, but they act as a buffer between all of those involved in the deal. They keep you & your needs top of mind so you don’t get yourself in a difficult situation. Realtors also provide insider information that could be crucial to getting your home ready to sell & sold successfully. We know- it’s extra work to use a Realtor in the beginning when searching for the perfect match, but in the end, it’s worth it. Especially when you realize that most people are hunting for a home or working on selling their home after hours. They are usually exhausted, juggling everyday life, & in their free time (which is usually on the weekends) & a Realtor can work on it during working hours, with intention, & more often! So now that you’ve decided to go with a Realtor, it’s important to know that you have a choice on who you go with & you should sit down with them for an interview to make sure you’re making the right decision for you & your family.
84% of Sellers Admit to Relying on Real Estate Agent Know-How. (Source: Zillow)
& for good reason! Realtors don’t just work day & night to provide you with the best service & help they can- but they are always (at least our team is) getting more education & training to be the best Realtors possible.
Let’s Get Down To It: Basic Questions to Ask When Interviewing Realtors
When interviewing Realtors, remember this needs to be a professional working relationship that you can depend on. You want to make sure you can trust your Realtor, so make sure you ask all the right questions & then some!
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How long have you been in business, and what is your sales volume?
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How will you communicate with me & how frequently?
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Are you a full-time or part-time agent?
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What is your availability like when selling / showing homes?
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What is your marketing plan like?
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How do you show the property to others/ how will you show properties to me?
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Do you work independently or with a team?
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What does your business mostly consist of? Working with buyers or sellers?
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How will you determine what homes match my needs/ wants?
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How many clients are you currently working with?
Red Flags To Look For:
Not to scare you, but like any profession, some people shouldn’t be doing what they do. So every now & then you will come across a Realtor or Real Estate Agent that you should avoid. To avoid dealing with those specific people here is a list of red flags to look for when interviewing for a Realtor!
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Spotty Communication.
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Poor Professionalism.
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Late to show up to meetings.
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Inconsistent with anything related to answers they give you over time.
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The agent doesn’t know your area well enough.
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Shows any sign of unethical behavior.
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Isn’t committed to this profession.
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They recommend the highest price.
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They aren’t courageous. (seems weird but it’s imperative you know your Realtor will stick up for you & have the nerve to share their professional opinion. For example, if they know you need a new furnace & don’t share that with you & the buyer demands it in the agreement.
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They don’t share information with you & educate you on the process as you go.
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They don’t advocate for you.
We know this is a lot of information to consider & digest, but we would rather you know in advance what you’re walking into when interviewing Realtors.
The Vories Team has been in the real estate industry for over 13 years! It’s safe to say we have seen almost anything you could imagine with real estate, making us the best option for you & your family to help you buy or sell a home! We specialize in all things real estate, including but not limited to investing, buying, selling, & building new. We can help you get started in your real estate journey today! Visit our website or give us a call today. 1833-VORIES1.