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A personal referral facilitates the decision to hire any type of professional because a referral means someone you know was pleased with that person's services. But recommendations, even from trusted friends, relatives and coworkers shouldn't be taken at face value. If you want to hire the best realtor for your needs, you will need to get some references and check them with a phone call and a prepared list of questions.
Checking references serves a purpose beyond getting a thumbs up or thumbs down. You will also find out about the agent's strengths and weaknesses, problem-solving skills and communication abilities. All this information contributes to your hiring decision.
Before you pick up the telephone and start calling the references, think through the questions you want to ask. "Would you recommend your realtor?" is a good starting point, but inadequate without further inquiries. Here are five other questions you want to pose.
1. Were you kept well informed about the progress of your home search/sale and transaction? Was the agent forthcoming about uncomfortable realities or problems? Did the agent return telephone calls or email messages promptly?
One of the biggest complaints from consumers is being left in the dark, particularly when a problem or delay crops up. Find out how much information the agent revealed, how it was communicated and whether any problems were completely and clearly explained.
2. Were you comfortable with the price and terms of the contract you signed to buy/sell your home?
A bit of buyer's or seller's remorse happens to many people once they make the big decision concerning their current or future home. Nonetheless, good agents don't pressure home buyers or sellers into situations they don't understand or decisions they'll later regret.
3. What problems came up during your transaction and how were they resolved?
Few transactions flow to completion without at least a few unexpected glitches. A good agent will propose various options for resolving problems, and then execute whichever solution seems best. Good problem-solving and people-handling skills are the hallmarks of a good agent.
4. Was your home treated well during showings and open houses?
A good agent will respect your home and help you create the best possible impression. You shouldn't return at the close of a Sunday open house to find greasy French fries on the kitchen floor or the agent sprawled on your sofa watching a baseball game.
5. Did you use a mortgage broker, home inspector or other provider who was suggested to you by the agent? If so, were you pleased with that person's services?
Successful professionals gravitate toward one another. Good agents are able to recommend reliable and ethical affiliates who make important contributions to the real estate transaction. Buyers' and sellers' good experiences with recommended providers reflect well on the agent.
You'll probably interview one or more agents. You will have them out to your house, receive their opinion of value, and talk about market conditions. When you ask a realtor for his or her references, be sure to request names and telephone numbers of people whose circumstances are similar to yours. Find out whether their transactions closed two years ago or just last month, whether they were buying or selling and whether the home was located in your neighbourhood. The more closely their needs matched yours, the more weight you can give some of their comments.
A word of warning, when first asking these questions, you might encounter "the squirm." Some agents may not be prepared to answer such straightforward inquiries. Don't be uncomfortable. As a seller you have every right to know these things, and any professional agent should be happy to provide you with the answers.
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Copyright ©2009 Peter Kunz. All rights reserved. |
Royal LePage Partners Realty is an independently owned and operated brokerage. |
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