By, Lisa Roberts
Selling a property that has been your home for many years is anything but easy. But while you might not have it easy selling your property, you can’t deny that this process is also exciting and refreshing. It gives you a chance to start a whole new chapter in life, so it’s worth all the trouble you are going through. But beware – you don’t want to rush into selling your property and making a mistake. Before your property gets into someone else’s hands, there are some questions to ask a real estate agent to make the process safer and easier. Don’t worry – we won’t keep you in the dark. Here’s what they are.
Five crucial questions to ask a real estate agent when selling a property
You want to work with a real estate agent when listing a property. It will give you a chance to sell your home faster and without as many bumps on the road. However, you will be bringing a third person into your home selling process, which means that you will have quite a few questions and concerns. Don’t be afraid to voice them – we’ll only give you a few questions to keep in mind.
Not sure what to ask your real estate agent? Here are some ideas!
1. How much do you charge for your services and what’s included in the price?
We can only assume that you are selling your property with the intention of buying a new one. Whether you want to downsize or upgrade isn’t of importance. What is important is that you plan to use the money you will get from selling your house towards buying a new property. Hopefully, with how much you manage to get from selling your home, you will be able to purchase a property with the desired home features.
The ‘traditional fee’ of 6% will be applied in most cases. However, since the real estate market has gotten quite competitive, you might be able to negotiate a better price. But that brings us to the other side of the medal – the services included in the price. Some real estate agents will charge a smaller commission, but you will have to pay for professional photography and videography. That brings you back to square one, as these can cost thousands of dollars.
2. What is your success rate, and can I get any references?
Real estate agents are businesspeople. You have companies with incredible performance rates in the business world, and you have mediocre ones. Take the relocation process that awaits you, for example, as your moving day will be the next step after a successful sale. If you want to make it simple and enjoyable, you will have to hire a reputable moving company. And a moving day that fits the description is something everyone wants. That’s why you ought to go above and beyond to hire a real estate agent with an excellent track record to make your home selling process simple and enjoyable as well.
An honest conversation with your real estate agent will help you uncover many truths about them.
An honest conversation with your real estate agent will help you uncover many truths about them.
Don’t be afraid to ask your real estate agent how long it takes them to sell a property compared to the median days on the market. Likewise, you ought to get information on what their total sales volume for the past 12 months looks like. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for references and converse with some of their past customers. Any real estate agent with nothing to hide will be glad to give you a glimpse into their past work.
3. Which marketing strategy do you plan to use to sell my home?
Most often, it’s not the product that sells – it’s the ad behind it. At the moment, your house is just that – a product. Thus, when it comes to the questions to ask a real estate agent, perhaps the most important one is inquiring about their marketing strategy. If a real estate agent wants to represent you, they should have a clearly outlined marketing strategy that will be adjusted to your property. After all, every property is unique, and every property deserves to be handled from a unique standpoint.
Based on the answer your real estate agent provides, you’ll be able to see whether you agree with their marketing strategy. Their strategy can be as simple as including your property in the local newspapers. Sometimes, the simplest things provide the best results, so that’s not necessarily a downside.
4. Do I need to stage my home for sale?
Staging your home is one of the most important tasks you will have in front of you. After all, getting your house in top condition will help you close the deal more quickly and perhaps even sell your property for a better price. However, if this is the first time you are in a home seller’s position, you might not know what to do. That’s why you ought to ask your real estate agent a fundamental question – how to approach the home staging process for your particular property? Some houses are easier to stage, while others require a bit more effort.
An aesthetically-appealing area will attract more buyers – there’s no way around it.
An aesthetically-appealing area will attract more buyers – there’s no way around it.
5. Can you help me find a home to buy, as well?
There are huge chances that you will consider purchasing a home after selling your current one. Thus, you will most likely need a real estate agent for the home-buying process. At least you will need one if you want to avoid home buyer’s remorse. So why not kill two birds with one stone by posing one of the most important questions to ask a real estate agent? After all, if you are sure that you have found an excellent real estate agent, it might be a good idea to enlist their help for your future endeavor. Hopefully, you’ll be making the right decision and closing the best possible deal.
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