A real estate agent will help you find and purchase the home of your dreams. As a buyer, you need to vet the real estate agent before enlisting his or her services. It ensures you have a good understanding of the services you will receive and how much you will pay. Below is a guide to help you interview your real estate agent. Here are the best questions to ask.
What Is Your Experience?
Look for an experienced agent specialising in the sale and purchase of property in the area you intend to buy your home. Below are several benefits of working with an experienced agent:
What Services Will You Provide?
The agent should help you locate suitable properties in the area. Further, he or she should appraise the property to know whether it is reasonably priced. He or she should accompany you to home visits and bargain the asking price with the seller. The agent should also negotiate the terms of sale. For example, he or she could ask the seller to conduct renovations, provide extension permits or more.
What Are Your Terms?
Inquire about the agent's terms and conditions. Check whether the contract allows you to work with other agents.
When are the agent's working hours? Some agents do not work during the weekends and holidays. The agent should provide you with his or her official contact information to help prevent communication breakdown.
Check the terms of contract termination. The agent may penalise you if you cancel the contract without due cause. Additionally, you should check the agent's dispute resolution mechanisms.
How Much Will the Service Cost?
Most agents will charge a small commission of the asking price. You should not have to incur any extra charge. There are instances when the agent may ask for a fixed fee. Regardless of the payment options, you should pay once the agent finds you a home. Remember to ask for a price cut.
You should now have an easier time hiring a real estate agent. Examine his or her experience, services, terms and the charges.
Share18 June 2020
Buying real estate can be complicated, and that's especially true if you are preparing to buy your first property. Whether you are buying your first home or your first investment property, you probably have a lot of questions along the way, and this blog is designed to help. If you need tips about hiring the right agent, deciding which property is the best, applying for loans or anything else, you have come to the right place. I plan to include posts like that as well as many similar topics. I am glad you find this blog, and thank you for reading. Good luck on your real estate buying experience.