5 Questions To Ask When Hiring a Realtor

​Are you ready and excited to buy a new house? Well, before you move forward, it is imperative that you know the different questions you need to ask a realtor. The idea is to determine if this person is able to help you achieve your home-buying dream. 
Mind you, not all realtors have the same qualities. They have their own pros and cons, each of which can vary greatly. So, before you hire a realtor, make sure you ask the right questions first in order to assess if he/she is the right one for you – and this is exactly what you will learn from this article.

#1. How Long Have You Been A Realtor?
You do not only want a realtor who is professional, but also one that understands the ins and outs of the business. This is where you need to weigh the knowledge, which usually comes from experience. A general rule of thumb is to go with a realtor who has a few years in the field. If you think the agent is a rookie, find out if he/she will get direct support from a real estate broker. Let’s say he is simply there for tenant screening. You may want to go instead with a realtor who actually has the experience and knowledge to help you.

#2. What’s Your Schedule and Availability?
In case you did not know, not all realtors work full time. That is because most of them are working part-time – and this is something that could bring a number of issues. For instance, a bidding war has just started on the property you really want to acquire. Unfortunately, he/she is not there to help you out. Your goal here is to let the agent understand how serious you are and, thus, some important matters need to be addressed immediately. If his schedule and availability do not coexist with yours, then perhaps you are better off finding a different one.

#3. What Areas or Neighborhoods Do You Specialize In?
The realtor you want to hire is someone who is well aware of the areas and/or neighborhoods you are interested in. Basically, he/she should be able to help you find the various key information or aspects about your desired location. This could be anything from go-to restaurants, airport, schools, cultural amenities, and transportation, among many others. By asking this question, you can rest assured knowing that the realtor looks after your best interest.

#4. How Will You Help Me Find a Home To Purchase?
Your realtor should be able to know the right questions to ask in order to help you figure out what your wants or needs are in a home. How many bedrooms are you looking to? Do you need at least three because you have kids? Do you require some parking facilities? By narrowing down the type of house you want to buy, you should be able to make the entire home buying process easier. Keep in mind that your goal is not to purchase the perfect home, as doing so will only frustrate you. The qualities of a property should at least satisfy you 85 percent.
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#5. How Many Homes Do You Sell Each Year?
This is perhaps the most important question you must ask a realtor. This will allow you to assess if he/she is exceptional at doing his/her job. At the same time, you can gauge if the realtor will have the time to assist you. While it is interesting to know that he/she is able to sell as many homes as he/she can, it is difficult if he/she does not have the time to actually help you.