Buying or selling a home is a big deal. It’s important to have a high comfort level with your real estate broker. When searching for a new broker, you can get referrals from friends, research online reviews and ask the broker for client referrals. All of these are important steps, but the most important thing is the feeling you get from a broker in a face-to-face meeting.
Set up an interview. When meeting with this person, you will get a feel for how they work - similar to when you walk in a house and know that it’s the right home. By taking a little time with them, you’ll be able to tell if they are really listening to your needs. Pay attention to how they interact with you.
The best referral is from someone you trust. And even if this person feels confident with the broker, it’s more important about how you interact with them. You want an open and honest dialogue with the broker helping you to buy or sell a home.
Here are key questions you should ask before hiring a broker:
- How long have you been a real estate broker?
- Do you own your home? Please explain your history of home ownership and property investment experience.
- How are you different from other real estate brokers?
- Do you have references? Where I can view your online reviews?
- How long have worked with your real estate agency? Why did you choose to work there? How is it different from other agencies?
- Did you have a career prior to working in real estate? If so, why did you pursue a real estate career?
- Are you personally involved with all aspects of my real estate transaction or do you work with a team?
- How do you market a property that you’re selling? Please explain your marketing efforts.
- What are your fees and commissions?
Please contact us if you have any questions!
