By AZ Home Girls
In the age of instant access to information, the process of hiring a real estate professional seems to have become more complicated than made simple. There are hundreds of articles and blogs about hiring a real estate agent and the right interview questions to ask. As industry professionals, we aim to stay ahead of what our clients and future clients may be reading and researching. The right support can make all the difference, so asking good questions is the first step towards a successful real estate experience. Asking the right questions about experience, commission rates, team structure, client load and area knowledge can give upfront insight into an agent’s competence and professionalism.
What to Consider Asking
1. Are you a full-time practicing agent?
When interviewing a potential agent, it is important to understand how much time a professional dedicates to their craft rather than how long they have been licensed. While having experienced many seasons of real estate can certainly be advantageous, the focus should more so be shifted to an agent’s day to day.
Selling homes is a full-time agent’s livelihood so there is a high level of dedication to helping you buy or sell successfully. There is a focus on satisfaction of service, which means they can usually accommodate your schedule better, and promptly address concerns or questions. When hiring an agent whose focus isn’t fully on selling real estate, there may be a limited ability to contact them due to other commitments. This could potentially be harmful to a transaction if delays are caused. Practicing full-time usually equals more firsthand market knowledge, engaging in on-going professional development, and being up to date with legal changes.
2. How do you handle challenges or unexpected issues?
How an agent answers this question will highlight their professionalism and overall confidence in their abilities. Real estate transactions are often complex and no two are wholly alike. How an agent handles unforeseen challenges can give insight to their problem-solving skills, how they communicate obstacles and even their resourcefulness. An agent’s ability to adapt, assess, and skillfully proceed forward will provide you with a less stressful experience.
3. Will I be working with you only throughout the transaction?
This is a substitute for the question “do you work alone or on a team?” There is no right or wrong answer, but more so what will work best for you during your real estate journey. As a consumer, you need to be fully prepared upfront as to what you can expect. A solo agent will likely be your one contact throughout the entire transaction, a large real estate team may work with multiple people during your transaction, smaller teams may operate more like solo agents, but have their team for back up as needed. Every real estate team has a different dynamic and structure. Asking about those dynamics creates clear expectations and transparency. Consider what type of communication will work best for you.
4. What makes you different from other agents?
Asking about value provides an agent with the opportunity to shine by highlighting their skills, qualities, and strategies. Value can be certifications, staying organized with email templates, having an extensive industry contact list, excellent negotiating skills, marketing backgrounds or even local area knowledge. Value is the intersection of an agent’s greatest strengths and the impact it leaves on your real estate experience. This question is vital to ask because this value will affect how they are going to help you succeed as a client.
5. Is this a good fit overall?
This is what you need to ask yourself before hiring an agent. Having confidence in an agent’s capability to get the job done is a priority, however, do not overlook personal connection. When interviewing an agent take note of personality, professionalism, communication styles, and approach to their craft. Buying and selling real estate is something most people only do maybe a handful of times in their lives and can be an overwhelming process. Who you choose to walk you through that process is important.
Bottom Line
Focus on communication styles, personality compatibility, problem-solving abilities, professionalism, honesty, and real-life transaction insights. By asking what truly matters to you, you will be more likely to find an agent who exceeds your expectations and aligns with you and your real estate goals.
The AZ Home Girls are a real estate trio with over 50 years of combined industry experience. Each member brings unique strengths and perspectives, creating a well-rounded and dynamic approach to real estate. Whether negotiating the best deals, providing innovative marketing strategies, or offering customized plans for buyers and sellers, the AZ Home Girls are dedicated to delivering an unparalleled real estate experience. Ready to take the next step in your real estate journey? Email [email protected], visit azhomegirls.com, or call 602-832-7762.
