How to Find an Ann Arbor Agent
1. Do you work full time or part time as a real estate agent?
An agent who cannot focus on your needs during the week will not make an ideal agent. Most people assume their agent is fulltime, but quickly find out they are hard to reach because they work a second job!
2. Is your license in good standing?
You assume it is, but this is not always the case. Obvious questions can be a life savor; so ask them!
3. How many years of experience do you have?
Experience is key, but even more important are results. A young agent does not mean fewer results, but be careful. If the agent has less experience, then make sure you do more research before choosing them.
4. How would you assess the current market for selling/buying?
An agent that inflates the appearance of the market conditions is a sales person, so be careful. You want an honest opinion and not one that is full of hot air.
5. How long have you sold homes in this area?
An established agent in a specific area is ideal, because they know the market and the needs of the buyers. This does not means someone with less experience in the area means fewer results, but an agent who has sold many homes in your area is a plus.
6. How many other clients (sellers and buyers) do you represent?
An agent who is swamped with clients will give you less time. If their number is excessive, then ask details about their office, if they use assistants and how they can meet your needs with excessive clients. Also, watch closely, because many agents are well organized and this will show by calls being returned quickly and consistently, which means the amount of clients they have can be handled easily. Note: An agent with few clients or none is likely to represent a problem and not an ideal scenario for you.
7. Will you handle all aspects of my transaction or will you delegate some tasks to a sales associate or administrative assistant?
If you work with a busy agent, a knowledgeable assistant can be invaluable when you have questions. Busy agents also are often the top producers in an area, but you may not get as much personal attention as you want.
8. Will you give me a list of homes you sold in the last 12 months?
The list should contain addresses, property types, names of sellers or buyers, list prices, sale dates, and sale prices. If you’re undecided about an agent, contact the agent’s former clients and ask whether the agent was easy to work with, whether they feel they got a good price and a good contract, and whether they would use the agent again.
9. Do you require a contract, if so terms?
Contracts are required by most states, so this answer is surely to be yes. What you want to find out are the terms in detail, when the contract ends, option to cancel and requirements of both parties.
10. How much commission do you charge? What other fees are attached?
Find out the commission the agent is willing to negotiate. The seller pays a majority of commissions, but occasions exist where the buyer will charge. The average commission is around 6% of the total sale price. Find out if the agent charges additional fees or charges and what they are for.
Related Links
Buyer’s Special Reports
Visit our website for much more useful information for home buyers.
Seller’s Special Reports
Visit our website for much more useful information for home sellers.
Keller Williams Realty
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Kathy Toth and Team
www.KathyToth.com
Keller Williams Realty
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