Questions to ask a Realtor before selling

Source: Bankrate — 

The red-hot housing market is starting to cool, with sales volume — and list prices — following suit. Still, with the help of an experienced Realtor, there may be time to cash in on your home. But with so many real estate agents to choose from, finding the right one to guide you through the home-selling process can be overwhelming. Here’s what to ask to make sure you hire the best Realtor for the job.

Finding a real estate agent to sell your home

Start by reaching out to friends and family for referrals. If someone you know and trust has worked with a Realtor they would recommend, you’re already ahead of the game. Also, do some research in your area: Jot down the names on “for sale” signs nearby and look online to identify recent sales in your neighborhood, especially of homes similar to yours.

Once you’ve compiled a shortlist, schedule a call or meeting with each Realtor to get a feel for whether they’d be a good fit for you. You want someone you feel comfortable with, who knows your area well, and who can help you navigate the journey and sell for the best price possible. How to find all that out? By asking the right questions.

Questions to ask when selling your home

1. How many homes have you sold?

Is this the agent’s first rodeo, or do they have extensive selling experience and a proven track record? You want someone with the knowledge and tools to effectively get the job done. And don’t just take their word for it — peek at their online listings, too.

2. Have you sold homes in my neighborhood?

It’s not enough for a Realtor to simply have experience — ideally, you want someone who has experience in your specific area. Real estate is very local, and selling trends can differ from one neighborhood to another, so it’s important to have a handle on the details, like school districts and traffic patterns.