3 Questions to ask a Real Estate Agent Before You Hire Them

The right real estate agent can make the process of buying or selling a home a pleasant experience. However, in order to pick the best real estate agent for your needs, you need to do your due diligence and ask the right questions before hiring anyone. This is where many buyers and sellers go wrong. With this, here are a few important questions to ask a real estate agent before you hire them. 

What is your experience working real estate?

It is important that you gauge an agent’s experience level so you know what to expect from them. An experienced agent who has been working in your local areas for years should know the ins and outs of an area. You may need to temper your expectations if you decide to hire a newer agent who does not have a lot of experience working in real estate.

Do you primarily work with buyers or sellers? 

If an agent works with both buyers and sellers, it is a good idea to ask them which they primarily work with. You may decide you want to work exclusively with a buyers agent if you are looking to purchase a home. While this may not be important you, it is another way to gauge their experience/expertise. 

Can you provide me with references?

Before you move forward with an agent, it is in your best interest to check with their references. If an agent can provide you with a list of references, it should raise some red flags. This is especially true if the agent has been working in real estate for several years. It is more understandable if the agent is new to real estate.