Homeowners should interview a few potential brokers or agents before deciding on one to sell their home. Here are some smart questions to ask:
1. How long have you been in the business?
A freshly-licensed agent can do a wonderful job and will have up-to-date training; those in the business longer bring more practical experience to the table.
2. How will your marketing plan meet my needs?
Specifically, how will you sell my home? Where and how often do you have open houses? How do you market online?
3. What separates you from your competition?
Key phrases to listen for: assertive, available by phone or e-mail, analytical, professional, reliable, and able to maintain a good sense of humour under trying circumstances.
4. May I review documents that I will be asked to sign?
A good broker makes forms available to you before you are required to sign them. Ask to see agency disclosure, the listing agreement and seller disclosure.
5. How will you help me find other professionals?
Ask for a written list of referring vendors. Get an explanation if you see the term “affiliated”. It could mean the broker is getting compensation from vendors.
6. How much do you charge?
You don’t have to ask if the fee is negotiable, since all real estate fees are negotiated. It may be a good idea to ask what their commission fee is for your reference.
7. What kind of guarantee do you offer?
If you sign a listing agreement with the broker and later find that you are unhappy with the arrangement, will the broker let you cancel the agreement?
8. What haven’t I asked you that I need to know?
Pay close attention to how the broker answers this question, because there is always something you need to know--always.
9. Do you enjoy what you do? It's always better to work with an agent who enjoys selling real estate. They are more motivated to go the extra mile: to show your property when buyers are availale, to answer the phone at odd hours when a question pops into your head, and more likely to consider each offer in its entirelty, not just push the highst one on you.
10. Finally, don't forget to ask yourself this important question: do I even like this person? The relationship between broker and seller is a close one. You will be in contact on a daily basis during a very stressful time. You need to deal with someone to whom you can relate. A broker that worked well for your friend may not work well for you and vice versa. Keep this fact in mind while you are interviewing potential candidates.