When selling a home, you want to know that you have the best RealtorⓇ on the job. You want someone who will work hard for you, knows the industry, and is familiar with your neighbourhood and the current real estate trends in the area. Just like choosing a doctor, lawyer, or even hairdresser, you want to work with someone you feel comfortable with. With that in mind, here are a few questions you should ask your RealtorⓇ before you decide to start working with them:
How long have you been working in the industry?
This is really a loaded question as there are pros and cons to working with both experienced and new RealtorsⓇ. On one hand, a RealtorⓇ that has been working in the industry for a long time will likely have lots of experience but may be kept busier with numerous clients on their books. A newer RealtorⓇ holds less experience but usually has a fresh perspective on the market and more time to devote to your needs.
How many homes have you listed and sold in the past year?
You want to know that your RealtorⓇ is using their time to the best of their ability. This will be evident in a large number of listings on their books in the past six months to a year. However, what is important is how many of these homes sold and how long they were on the market for. This will show you how good your RealtorⓇ is at negotiating and closing a deal. It is a good idea to look at the original asking price versus the final selling price to see how good the RealtorⓇ is at establishing and obtaining the best price.
Could you provide me with some references?
Many people will not take the time to check references, but it could be worth your time. The best way to quickly understand how the RealtorⓇ will work for you is to speak with their past clients. A few questions to ask could be: What did you like most about this RealtorⓇ? Was there anything you didn’t like? Do you feel they priced your home realistically? How did they help you market your home? Were you kept well informed along the way?
Do you have any questions for me?
Your RealtorⓇ should ask you specific pointed questions to establish your needs and requirements. All homes are different and they should be marketed in a way that is A good RealtorⓇ develops a personalized and tailored plan of action for each home, depending on their client’s personal situation.
Some last-minute things to remember:
- Don’t interview RealtorsⓇ from the same company. Instead, choose 3 or 4 from different companies.
- Ask friends and family for recommendations, they are usually a reliable source of information.
- Would you feel comfortable working with this RealtorⓇ? If the answer is no, you need to keep looking. You should work with a RealtorⓇ who places high value on respect, honesty, integrity and professionalism.
At Royal LePage Performance Realty, our RealtorsⓇ are here to help you with your Ottawa real estate needs! Whether you’re looking to purchase a trendy downtown condo or list your west Ottawa duplex for sale, we have the tools, training and market experience designed to get results. Contact us today!
