Interviewing Your Agent(s)

When it comes to selling one of your biggest assets, you need to do the research and work upfront to make sure you have the best match with your agent, your team, and your brokerage.

While there may be a large number of agents in your area, it is likely that only 20% of them are doing the business. So it is imperative that you choose the right agents to sell your home.

After all, this is someone that you will likely be spending the next 3-6 months with and speaking with them on a weekly if not daily basis.

How Long Have You Been Selling Real Estate?

While this question seems obvious, the answer to the question is the more important item to dissect. Just because an agent has been in the business for a long time, doesn't mean they are a better agent and/or a better match for you.

What Area(s) Do You Service?

Counties and Cities can be vast. It's almost impossible for an agent to be an expert in every neighborhood. Depending on your needs, you may want a hyper-local agent to help you sell or buy your home.

How Many Homes Did You Sell Last Year?

Again, the answer you are looking for may be different depending on what you what in an agent. Is the agent with the most sales the best? Not necessarily as that agent might not be able to give you and your home the attention you need.

What Is Your Average Sales Price?

This gives you an idea of whether your agent works in the lower, middle, or higher end of the neighborhood/city. If you are looking to sell your luxury $5mil home, you'll want an agent that specializes in that arena.

Can You Give Me 3 References From Past Sales?

Just like any corporate job interview, you should also be checking references. An agent that has done right by his past clients will likely do right by you.

Do You Have An Assistant?

An agent that is great at time management will likely be able to delegate the low impact responsibilities to their assistant making room for more time to handle the dollar productive activities for your home.

Do You Work With A Team?

This can go both ways. While it may be nice to have a real estate team behind the sale of your home, you have to be careful you don't get lost in the shuffle and/or passed down to junior sales agents after the initial meeting.

How Do You Market Homes?

A well-versed and successful agent should have a whole business plan ready to present to you for the sale of your home. This is your guide for what to expect from the process and marketing. 

Do You Communicate Evenings and Weekends?

The answer should always be yes. This doesn't mean you should be expecting a call at 10 pm at night, everyone has a life. However, one of the major issues with consumers and their agents is communication. Make sure you set the protocol for callbacks and follow-ups is set in the beginning so everyone is on the same page.

Is Our Agreement Flexible?

Whether you are signing a listing agreement or a broker representation agreement, you should always make sure it has an easy exit clause. Time is money and you don't want to be stuck in a contract with an agent that isn't working for you.

If you're ready to interview an agent, we would love to throw our hat in the ring. CONTACT US HERE to see if we are the right match for you!