There are millions of Real Estate Agents to choose from when buying your first home. Sure, you might have a friend or a relative, but they might not necessarily be the best fit for the job.
On top of this, the market is very competitive, and inventory is low, so you must work with someone that knows what they are doing.
But… Not to worry! Because in this article, we will guide you on how to choose the best agent to work with. We will go over the five best questions to ask when interviewing Real Estate Agents. This way, you can make the right decision when you begin the hunt for your first home.
- For how long have you been a real estate agent?
The length of an agent’s career does not necessarily translate into experience. However, suppose the agent is a top-tier professional. In that case, he/she will have the experience of overcoming difficult situations, and they will be able to give you proper guidance on your home buying journey.
- What number of homes do you help buyers purchase each year?
If your agent is closing a low number of homes, this can be a red flag to watch out for. It could be a sign that they are new or not dedicated to their job.
NAR states that the average agent closes about ten homes per year. It would be best to look for comparable numbers or something above this.
- Do you work as a “full-time” or a “part-time” agent?
When looking for a reliable agent, you should seek someone that will be able to answer their phone whenever you are trying to get in touch. This may not be the case for a part-time agent.
Full-time agents will be more likely to be available whenever you need them, and if a huge opportunity happens, they will be ready to strike.
- In what areas do you service?
If you are looking for a home in a specific area, it’s a good “rule of thumb” that you look for an agent that knows that location like “the palm of their hand.”
An agent familiar with the area will be able to give you all of the “ins and outs” and will know exactly where to look to find you that perfect home.
- Will I be working directly with you or a team?
Sometimes when an agent has a team, they will pass you off to work with someone with less experience. This could lead to a massive disappointment if you were looking forward to working directly with that agent.
If you are okay with this, it is also wise to check the credentials of that agent’s team members.
By asking the right questions, you may find out that working with a family or friend might not be the right fit. However, you might also discover that another agent you have just met is the right fit for helping you with your home buying process.
