Are you wondering whether to hire a realtor to represent you in your real estate transaction? If so, you’ve got a lot of options. There are more than two million active real estate licenses in the United States!
Whether you are buying or selling a home, a realtor can help you navigate the process by knowing what to look out for and how to make your transaction run more smoothly. With so many different real estate agents to choose from, it may be hard to pick the best one for you. Read on to learn 5 questions to ask a realtor before you make your decision!
-
How long have you been a realtor in this geographic area?
For example, if you’re planning to move to Los Angeles, you would want to work with a real estate agent in California that is hyper-familiar with the neighborhoods and cities within the Los Angeles area (especially since there are certain neighborhoods that are not the safest to live in!). If your realtor is newer to the area, they might not be familiar with the best neighborhoods in town and the strength of the housing market.
If your realtor hasn’t been doing it long, do they work directly with someone that has? If so, find out how that experienced realtor will work with yours to help you buy or sell your home.
-
Is there any future expansion planned in or around this neighborhood?
Your realtor should be able to tell you a lot about where a neighborhood has been, where it now, and what’s ahead for the future. Speak to your realtor about any future commercial projects or any new home construction planned in the area!
-
Do you have experience with social media marketing?
It’s no secret that social media is a popular tool for marketing to other people. Nearly 70 percent of adults in the United States use Facebook. Other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram are also social media applications to consider as you market a home.
-
Do you use a professional photographer to take pictures?
A professional photographer can make the difference between selling a house fast or it staying on the market for an extended period of time. A realtor that uses a professional photographer will be able to advertise your home in the most effective way.
-
How often will you speak to me during this process?
In a real estate transaction, it’s crucial for you and your real estate agent to keep in touch with each other. How long will it take them to respond to your call or text? If your realtor isn’t someone that will keep you updated on the status of negotiations regularly, you should look elsewhere for one that will!
Wrapping Up: The Questions to Ask a Realtor
Hiring a real estate agent is one of the most important decisions for you to make when buying or selling a home. With the sheer number of licensed agents where you live, it may be intimidating to begin the search for your perfect agent.
By taking the time to know what you are looking for in an agent and the questions to ask a realtor when you meet them, it can make your search much easier. Are you interested in learning about other unique tips and tricks to put to use in your life today? Check out our blog post section for other helpful information about real estate and more!
