20 Questions
Perhaps the first question to ask yourself: are you hiring a friend or an expert? Feel free to use this as a guide to interview your next agent. I have included my answers and suggestions as well.
Are you a full-time or part time agent and how long have you been in the industry? I am full-time agent and investor. Investor since 2014, agent since 2018.
Do you have a team? You will always work directly with me and will not be passed off to another agent. However, I have built a team around me that complement my weaknesses and do the back-end work of your home sale process. My team does these tasks so I can focus on what is most important: promoting and negotiating on your behalf.
In the transaction, will you represent me exclusively or will you represent both the buyer and seller? For me, I find it difficult for one agent to fairly represent two parties in a real estate transaction. I recommend having your agent represent you fully, and no one else.
Do you own a home? May agents do not own their own home. Perspective is everything and understanding from start to finish the path you are walking is crucial for anticipating needs and ensuring all parties understand all aspects of the home selling process. I own my home and have purchased and sold multiple investment properties.
How large are your company and it’s network? I am brokered by EXP Realty, LLC
Do you have any accreditations? I am currently working to obtain my CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation as well as currently hold the SFR (Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource) certification.
How will you market my home? I am happy to show you. For a surface level overview, click here.
How will you develop pricing strategies for my home? I would be happy to show you and explain absorption rate pricing.
What are the best strategies for getting top dollar in a reasonable time frame? I would be happy to explain these options to you.
Are you detail oriented and prepared for the speed bumps along the way? My background is engineering. Details and numbers are my strength and I have built my business using systems to ensure all ships stay afloat.
Can we review all documents before we sign anything? I am the opposite of pushy. I don’t ever want you to sign anything that you haven’t read or have been explained to.
Can you recommend other trade professionals that you trust? Absolutely. I am happy to share and recommend trades, lenders, inspectors and other professionals that I have found to be trustworthy over the last decade.
What percentage of your business is based on referrals? Nearly 85%
Can I call your past clients? Most certainly.
How will you keep me informed? You will receive a weekly update from me via email, however, timely items will be updated immediately via your preferred communication method (usually phone call or text).
Can you tell me about the inspection process and the renegotiation strategies available? I am happy to show you.
What is your 30, 60, and 90 day pricing strategies? I have many options depending on your goals
What are liquidated damages and what is an arbitration clause? Ask me or anyone on my team
Please explain specifically how title insurance works in a worst-case scenario? Ask me or anyone on my team about title policies
What is you educational background before your real estate career? I was a research scientist in spinal cord and deep brain stimulation prior to going full time investor and real estate agent.