Questions to Ask Your Listing Agent
HOW TO INTERVIEW AN AGENT THAT WANTS TO LIST YOUR HOME
You should ask a REALTOR® some important questions before choosing them to act as your real estate listing agent.
Selecting the "right" real estate agent to list your home could make the differece between selling quickly, at a good price or selling much later for a "low-ball" offer.
Here are some questions you should ask to ensure you get the right agent to represent you and your property in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
What are your professional qualifications for listing my home?
Look for an agent that works full-time as a REALTOR®. Understand that not all REALTORS® work real estate full-time. (To be able to use the term REALTOR® that agent just needs to have paid their local, state and national organizations dues and agree to subscribe to the REALTORS® Code of Ethics.)
What's your track record for selling homes like mine?
- How many homes have you sold in my area?
- How much of your business is repeat or referral business?
- What kind of marketing plan do you use to sell homes?
- What kind of advertising do you do to sell homes?
- Have you ever had a grievance filed against you by a past customer/client?
- If I'm not satisfied with your service, can I terminate your listing agreement at anytime?
Do you work as a "disclosed dual agent?"
- If you do, how can you fully represent me?
- If you do, how can I be sure of your fiduciary loyalty?
Do you have any suggestions on ways to increase my home's "salebility?"
A good agent should be able to tell you how to "stage" your home so it's more appealing to a potential buyer.
How often will you keep in touch with me?
If you don't keep in touch with me as you say you will, can I terminate our listing agreement?
How will you market/advertise my home?
What is included in the listing agreement?
How are you paid?
Can you provide me with references?
