What Questions Should I Ask a Licensed Realtor Before Hiring Them?

In the United States alone, there are more than 3 million people with active real estate licenses. If you’re buying or selling a home, that huge selection can make it feel impossible to find the best realtor for your needs. 

So, what can you do to make the process easier? You’ve come to the right place for help. 

Read through this short guide to learn the most important questions to ask a licensed realtor to help you narrow down your decision. As a result, your real estate transaction will be a breeze. 

How Long Have You Been a Full-Time Agent in My Market?

One of the many benefits of working with a realtor is that they have invaluable knowledge about the real estate market in general and your local housing market. 

However, if a real estate agent is new to your area, it might take them a while to learn the ins and outs of your specific market. Ideally, you want to find an agent that has worked in the market full-time for at least a few years. If they’re brand new to the area or real estate is a side job for them, it’s better to choose another agent. 

Do You Work With a Team?

While you might think of a real estate agent as a standalone person, many established agents work with a team of people that help to make sure no detail is overlooked. Before deciding to work with an agent, ask them about whether they have a team and how that team will be involved in your transaction. 

This is also a good time to establish who will be your point of contact when you have questions. To see an example of a well-established real estate team of professionals, visit Jordanterrellgroup.com.

How Much Is Your Commission Fee?

If you’re selling a home, in particular, you’ll want to ask about a realtor’s commission fee before agreeing to work with them. That’s because sellers are typically responsible for paying an agent’s commission out of the final sale price of the home. 

Commission fees can vary depending on different circumstances. However, most of the time, the commission ends up being 6% of the sale price, which is then split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. 

Do You Have Any References I Can Contact?

One of the best ways to help you determine whether a particular realtor is best for your needs is to hear feedback from past clients. Ask your potential realtor if they have a list of references you can contact so you can ask them questions about their experience. 

Aside from contacting references, you can read through online reviews as well. If a real estate agent is hesitant to put you in contact with their past customers, this could be a red flag that they’re not as experienced as they claim to be or they don’t have many happy customers. 

Choose the Right Licensed Realtor for Your Needs

Now that you’ve read through this short list of important questions to ask a potential licensed realtor, you’re ready to start narrowing down your choice. Once you make your decision, you’ll be ready to move forward with buying or selling your home. 

Want to read more like this? Be sure to browse through our other articles before you go.