One of the most important things people do is purchase or sell a home. It can also be overwhelming and stressful, especially if someone doesn’t have an experienced real estate agent in Alabama. Our Title Company in Huntsville can help you throughout the process. This article will provide you with some good questions to ask before choosing one.
Questions To Ask A Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent in Alabama represents and advocates for the homebuyer or seller throughout the purchase or sale of a home. Real estate agents aim to make the process smooth and uneventful for their clients. They handle most of the paperwork concerning offers or purchase agreements. Choosing the right real estate agent is a task that should be taken with seriousness. Below are some questions you might consider asking your potential real estate agent.
General Questions to ask a Real Estate Agent
Buying and selling a home are two different processes that are handled differently. Whether you are purchasing a new home or looking to list yours, these are some general questions you can ask when choosing a real estate agent.
- How long have you worked as a real estate agent in Alabama?
Whether buying or selling, you want an experienced agent to represent you.
- Do you work part-time or full-time?
Some agents work in real estate full-time, and others do it on the side. While part-time agents may have experience and be good at what they do, full-time agents can devote more time to you and the process.
- Do you work with both buyers and sellers?
Some agents have experience with both, while some focus on only one area. If you’re buying a home, you may not want a real estate agent who has mainly worked with sellers and vice versa.
- How many clients do you currently have?
This is a tricky question because you want a real estate agent that has the experience and is good at what they do. However, if they are juggling several clients, they may need more time to devote to you. Likewise, if they rarely have clients, you may not want them to represent you.
- Do you have references?
It is ideal for a real estate agent in Alabama to provide you with a list of references you can contact, especially former clients. If they have an online presence, you should also check their reviews.
- What is your availability?
Real estate agents have lives and won’t be available for your house showing needs and questions 24/7. But it’s a good idea to find out their availability beforehand and check it with your schedule. If your hours don’t line up well, you might want to consider a different agent.
- How do you get paid?
Fees for both the listing and buying agent are included in the closing costs that the seller pays. Whether you are buying or selling, it’s good to know what percentage will go to the real estate agent.
What to ask When Buying a House
- What is your average list-to-sales price ratio?
Usually, homes sell for a lower price than what they are listed for. By determining the agent’s success ratio, you’ll know how good they are at negotiating prices.
- What is the neighborhood like?
You want to work with a real estate agent in Alabama who is familiar with the area. It’s also good to know before buying a home what is happening in the neighborhood and what could make the community unsatisfying in the future.
- How many homes have you helped buyers close this past year?
Simply put, you want to work with a successful agent. If they have recently sought out and closed several homes, they can help you do the same.
What to ask When Selling Your House
- What is your marketing plan?
A successful real estate agent knows what strategies work to sell a house, and they likely have a plan in place before the home is listed. A good marketing plan usually leads to quicker sales.
- Have you sold any other homes in this area?
As with buying, it’s good to know if the agent has the experience and is familiar with the neighborhood where you’ll sell your home.
- Are you also representing the buyer?
It may seem more convenient for a real estate agent to represent both the buyer and seller. However, when it comes to price negotiation, the agent would eventually have to show favoritism toward one of you. You want an agent to represent you and look out for your interests as a seller 100 percent.
How Boundary Title and Escrow Can Help
If you’re looking to work with a real estate agent in Alabama to buy or sell a home, the professionals at Boundary Title in Huntsville are ready to help. Contact us online or give us a call today!
This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only. Please consult your title professional for specific information regarding your situation.