25 Questions to Ask a Realtor

25 Questions to Ask a Realtor Before Signing ANY Listing Agreement.

In a random survey, statistics revealed 82% of people who bought or sold a home had a miserable experience (Real Estate Marketing University, 1999) blaming it mainly on their real estate agent. Are you getting your money's worth from your real estate agent?

Here are some key questions to ask when interviewing Realtors:

1. Do you have a Marketing Plan tailored specifically to my home?
2. How familiar are you with my neighborhood and community?
3. I realize by default of all local associations, my home will be posted on several national websites (i.e. Realtor.com) and the MLS with just one picture. Are you going to be posting additional digital pictures along with a detailed description concerning the home?
4. I know that over 80% of homebuyers first see a home on the internet. Do you have a specific internet marketing plan?
5. Will a virtual tour be conducted and posted on the web?
6. Are you a one-person operation or do have a team that works with you?
7. Will you be providing prospective purchasers or their agents a detailed marketing flyer to include: interior and exterior features; many color photographs; a vicinity map; distances to schools and other local landmarks; and financing options?
8. Will you hold an open house EVERY WEEKEND until my home is sold?
9. What systems do you have in place that will keep you in constant contact with me during the listing and the transaction?
10. Do you have a system for following up on all Agent showings, all open house visits and all sign and ad calls?
11. Are you fully automated with your own lap-top computer, digital camera, FAX machine, copier, pager, voice mail, cell phone, scanner, contracts software, etc.?
12. What is the average market time in my area?
13. What has sold and what is currently on the market that my home will be competing against?
14. How will you help me determine the best sales price that will bring me the greatest return, in the shortest amount of time, with the best terms and conditions and no hassles?
15. How experienced are you in negotiations? Can I see your track record?
16. Are you going to be tenacious in dealings with others on my behalf? Will you be looking out for my best interest?
17. Do you hold any degrees or what is your highest level of education completed?
18. Are you a full-time professional real estate consultant or just a part-time sales agent?
19. How long have you been in the business and how many transactions have you closed?
20. Do you have a split with your broker or are you a 100% agent? If you have a split, why aren't you 100%?
21. How much of your time is dedicated to "prospecting" or "cold calling"?
22. How much of your business is from past customers or referrals?
23. Will you be providing me with a list of your most recent customers to verify your capabilities?
24. Have you ever had a grievance or complaint lodged against you with your local association or the State real estate department?
25. Can we cancel the listing at anytime WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED, if we are unhappy?