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Ten questions to ask ...
when hiring a REALTOR®
Home owners should interview a few potential REALTORS® before deciding on one to sell their home. Here are some questions to ask:
1- How long have you been in the business?
A freshly-licensed REALTOR® can do a wonderful job and will have up-to-date training; those in the business longer bring more practical experience to the table.
2 - What is your average list-to-sales-price ratio?
A competent listing REALTOR® should hold a track record for negotiating sales prices that are very close to list prices.
3 - How will your marketing plan meet my needs?
Specifically, how will you sell my home? Where and how often do you advertise? How do you market online?
4 - Will you provide references?
Ask if any of the references are related to the REALTOR®. Ask if you can call their references with additional questions.
5 - What separates you from your competition?
Key phrases to listen for: assertive, available by phone or e-mail, analytical, able to maintain a good sense of humour under trying circumstances.
6 - May I review documents that I will be asked to sign?
A good REALTOR® makes forms available to you before you are required to sign them. Ask to see agency disclosure, listing agreement, seller disclosure.
7 - How will you help me find other professionals?
vAsk for a written list of referring vendors. Get an explanation if you see the term “affiliated.” It could mean the REALTOR® is getting compensation from vendors.
8 - How much do you charge?
You don’t have to ask if the fee is negotiable, since all real estate fees are negotiated.
9 - What kind of guarantee do you offer?
If you sign a listing agreement with the REALTOR® and later find that you are unhappy with the arrangement, will the REALTOR® let you cancel the agreement?
10 - What haven’t I asked you that I need to know?
Pay close attention to how the REALTOR® answers this question, because there is always something more you need to know.
More about buying or selling a home:
November 9, 2006 in Selling Toronto Real Estate | Permalink
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