6 questions to ask before you hire a real estate agent

Finding a good real estate agent is key to a successful real estate transaction. With the right agent by your side, you’ll have a positive home buying or home selling experience that you won’t soon forget.

To help you learn more about your potential real estate agent, get ready to ask these six questions:

1. How long have you been a real estate agent?

   An experienced real estate agent knows how to navigate the home buying or selling process with ease. They also know the methods that work and the ones that don’t.

   While years of experience is important, it’s just as vital to gauge the agent through their client base. Did the agent fulfill client expectations? Would they work with the agent again? What is the agent’s strong suit and where did they fall short? You can go online to search for answers or ask the agent for references.

2. How well do you know the local area?

   Whether you’re buying or selling your home, your agent’s knowledge of the local area is a must. Working with a neighborhood expert means having access to information and data that you can’t find anywhere else. A local Realtor can tell you about local home prices, developments in the area that will impact the property you’re eyeing, and show you attractions and amenities popular with local folk.

3. What’s your strategy?

   A good real estate agent should have a solid plan to achieve your real estate goals – whether it’s negotiating a better deal or crafting a marketing strategy to sell your home. Learning about an agent’s go-to strategy for buyers and sellers gives you a good idea of what to expect when you work with the agent.

4. What makes you different from other real estate agents?

   While most agents will promise you everything you may want to hear, it’s important to find out what sets them apart from others. Ask the question directly – what’s their competitive advantage? What can they offer you in terms of real estate services that other agents can’t.

5. How do you communicate with clients?

   The way your agent communicates is extremely important. Find out how they intend to get in touch with you, whether it’s through calling, texting, or email. You must be equally comfortable with their preferred method of communication. The same can be said of the frequency of their updates. Knowing the answers to these questions can help you avoid misunderstandings should you decide to hire the agent.

6. Are there any other things I need to know about your service?

   To have a better idea of the kind of agent that you may be working with, ask them to tell you something you need to know about them and their service. A good real estate agent knows how their strengths can best serve their clients and their individual circumstances. Listen to what they have to say and discern if the information they provide will be useful in attaining your real estate goals.

When it comes to buying or selling a home in Los Angeles, Sasha Rahban is the Beverly Hills luxury real estate agent to call. Get in touch with me today at 310.963.9680 or send me a message here.