Tips for selecting a Real Estate Agent

August 31, 2006 on 9:55 pm | In Real Estate | No Comments

To begin your search for the right person to represent you in a home sale, ask a friend or work mates for a recommendation, preferably someone who has used the real estate agent’s services.

You want an agent who is familiar with home sales in your price range and in your target are. It is essential that you feel comfortable with the agent during an interview since comfort level and good communication are very important.

During your interview, don’t hesitate to ask the agent about the number of homes the agent has listed and actually sold. The length of time the agent has been in business is not necessarily the best yardstick.

Make sure to ask about their commission fees as well. These fees will vary depending on your location and mostly likely be fixed, however, always ask if they are negotiable.

Remember, the agent you choose is going to be one of your main sources of information. A good agent will advise you and guide you in many ways. Look for a representative who is pursuing sales, returning telephone calls, aggressively working in your best interest and whose only job is real estate.

Interview Checklist

How often will you promise to call or write me with activity on the home?

I would like to have a list of your satisfied clients (of comparable properties) as references?

Describe your history of real estate sales?

Most agents sell just 30 percent to 60 percent of their listings before the listings expire. Choose an agent who sells 85 percent if possible.

What percentage of the asking price, on average, have you received for the homes you’ve sold during the last year?

What is the average number of days your listed homes stayed on the market?

Why should I pick you over all other agents?

About the Author

Peter Roderick is a mortgage specialist and Director of Refund Home Loans Beechmont. For more information, articles, news, tools and valuable resources on home or investment loan, refinancing, debt solutions, visit this site: http://www.refundhomeloans.com.au or email peterroderick@refundhomeloans.com.au to register for our free monthly newsletter.