Top 5 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Buyer's Agent
Choosing a real estate agent to help you buy a property is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and we want to make sure you’re equipped with the right tools to help you find someone who’s a great fit. Agent Pronto’s network of agents have extensive experience in the local market, proven negotiation skills, and high customer ratings—but we want to make sure you’re completely confident that the agent we match you with is the perfect fit for you. When interviewing your agent, here are some of the questions we’d recommend asking:
How long have you been a licensed agent?
An agent who’s been in business for a long time has a proven track record of being successful, and likely has contacts throughout the business—they can recommend vendors that you’ll need throughout the process such as a lender, home inspector, general contractor, or even movers. But don’t just take our word for it. You can also ask them for testimonials from clients they’ve worked with in the past, so you have real examples of how they’ve helped others.
How long have you serviced the area?
Whether you’re looking at a specific neighborhood or a general part of the city, an agent who’s serviced the area for a long time will likely have better insight into the best spots and may be able to recommend other similar neighborhoods that you hadn’t previously considered. It’s also important to keep in mind that an agent’s actual experience in a particular area is much more important than where their office happens to be located.
If we decide to work together, what’s the best way to stay in touch?
You’ll likely have questions as you’re going through the process and you want to make sure that your agent is readily available to answer them. Let them know your preferred method of communication—phone, email, text message—and find out which hours they’re typically available. You should also ask if they work alone or part of a team and if there is a support staff you can reach out to if your agent is not available.
How will you help me find the right property?
In your search for a property, you’re likely looking for specific features and amenities. Ask the agent how they will help you narrow down options and send you homes that fit your desired criteria.
After learning more about your wants and needs, a good agent will be able to tell you if they’re feasible in your desired neighborhood, or if not, recommend other areas to begin your search. Additionally, find out how much data they have for the neighborhood and local community. The agent should be able to quickly give you information about the area including price history, school ratings, walk and transit scores, and more.
After learning more about your wants and needs, a good agent will be able to tell you if they’re feasible in your desired neighborhood, or if not, recommend other areas to begin your search. Additionally, find out how much data they have for the neighborhood and local community. The agent should be able to quickly give you information about the area including price history, school ratings, walk and transit scores, and more.
What makes you a good fit for me?
Agents have specialities, certifications, etc. that set them apart from other agents. Find out what makes them unique and an especially great fit for you. You’ll also want to ask if they’ve helped other buyers who were looking in the same area and within the same price range as you.
The above questions should provide you with the insight necessary to make sure your real estate agent match is the perfect fit for your property search. If there’s anything else we can do to help, just email us at hello@agentpronto.com and we’ll make sure to get back to you right away!
The above questions should provide you with the insight necessary to make sure your real estate agent match is the perfect fit for your property search. If there’s anything else we can do to help, just email us at hello@agentpronto.com and we’ll make sure to get back to you right away!