When you are considering hiring an agent to represent you in one of the most important decisions of your life like buying or selling real estate there are several things you should ask but people rarely do.  Ask questions.  Availability and accessibility are important factors.  We are always there for our clients whether it’s just to answer a question, helping them develop an overall plan from start to finish, scheduling and attending inspections, helping them complete and understand the disclosure process, going to the title company for the sign off or dealing with some issue that arises after the close escrow.

When you interview agents to list and sell your home find out how they market their properties.  Do they host their own open houses and realtor tour days, what’s their sales record, what’s their average days on market and percentage of list price to sales price, and something very important is have them justify a list price with a comparative market analysis with recent sales and current activity.  Two mistakes that sellers often make is either accepting a list price or insisting on listing a property at an unjustified unrealistic list price and not asking and calling an agents’ list of references.  You are hiring a professional, trust their experience and advice, but do your research.

If you are hiring an agent to help you buy property ask questions and when you’re satisfied, commit to them.  An experienced knowledgeable agent will guide and protect you through the process from start to finish.  There’s a lot more than driving you around to find a property and it’s definitely a team effort between you and your agent.  A good agent will ask you lots of questions to establish your wants, needs, and parameters, be honest and tell them the truth, it’s important, the more accurate information you have the better job they can do for you.  They will also help you through the pre approval and loan process, help you understand the disclosures, go to the sign off with you and tell you not only the positive aspects of a property but the negative aspects too.  A good agent will be a strong negotiator in your behalf and not be driven by the lure of the commission.