22 Questions to Ask a REALTOR
BEFORE YOU SIGN A LISTING CONTRACT TO SELL YOUR
HOME
-
How long have you been selling real estate?
-
What is the percent of Sellers compared to
Buyers that you serve?
-
Can we cancel the listing if we're not happy?
-
Do you have a licensed personal assistant?
-
Do you recommend that I hire an attorney?
-
May I see your resume or personal brochure?
-
What systems do you have in place that will
keep you in constant contact with me during the listing and the
transaction?
-
Are you fully automated with your own
personal computer, fax machine, copier, pager, mobile phone, etc.?
-
May I see all the paperwork that you are
going to ask me to sign?
-
What professional designations do you have?
-
I want to give my home the advantage of the
latest marketing strategies. How much time and money do you invest
each month in professional training?
-
Why are you personally motivated to sell my
house?
-
Why should I list with you rather than any
other REALTOR who is calling on me?
-
What kind of experience and training do you
have in negotiations?
-
How many homes do you sell in a year?
-
Will you personally be there when contracts
are presented and handle all the negotiations?
-
Do you have a web site?
-
Will you directly market the property on the
Internet?
-
Do you follow-up on all showings on the
house and report the comments back to me?
-
Do you have an assistant to make sure no
details are overlooked?
-
What part of your business is from referrals/past
clients?
-
Do you market with direct mailings on my
property?
It's likely that you don't interview people
very often. And yet, in order to find the REALTOR who is right for
you, you may interview several. The quality of your home selling
experience is dependent upon your skill at selecting the person best
qualified.
It's interesting that in the real estate
business, someone with many successfully closed transactions usually
COSTS THE SAME as someone who is inexperienced. Bringing that
experience to bear on your transaction could mean a higher price at
the negotiating table, selling in less time, and with the minimum
amount of hassles.
The world is populated with REALTORS who
are wrong for you. For example, the housewife who sells an
occasional house because she needs a little pocket change, or the
insurance salesman who believes he can handle two careers, or
perhaps your cousin, who really needs your business.
The sale of your home could well be the
most important financial transaction you have ever been involved
with. The person you select can make it a satisfying and profitable
activity, or a terrible experience. It's your home, and your money.
The choice of your REALTOR is up to you. Make the selection
carefully.
|
