I was on the phone recently with a couple looking to relocate to the Charlotte area. They were asking the typical questions someone relocating to Charlotte might ask, but they were also ‘interviewing’ me. Their questions were mostly ones I had heard and answered many times before. The one that stumped me was, “What questions SHOULD we be asking you?” I’m glad they asked because it made me think about what questions they or anyone else who wants to buy a house should ask a buyer’s agent.
Over the years, I’ve read a lot of blogs written by real estate agents that list questions you should ask your agent. However, it seems like a lot of them are written from the point of view of what the agent wants you to ask instead of what you should ask. Don’t expect more of the same from me. I will give you the most honest advice I can, with your best interests in mind, not mine. Here are some questions I’d probably ask the buyer’s agent if I were in the market to buy a house. I’ve been a Realtor since 1999.
You might have your own questions, but at the end of the day, you want to work with a buyers agent that you trust, get along with, and believe will take your needs seriously and have the skills and experience to help you reach your goals. I hope this article and these questions to ask a buyers agent have been helpful.
If you’re in the market to purchase a new home, partnering with an experienced real estate buyer’s agent can streamline the process and help you avoid costly mistakes. But not all agents are created equal. Asking the right questions during buyer’s agent interviews can help you identify the best fit for your needs
How They’ll Represent You in Offers
One of the most critical questions is how the agent will represent your interests during negotiations with sellers
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How will you use your knowledge to make sure that offers are set up in a way that benefits me the most?
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If we encounter multiple competing offers on a property, how will you advocate for my offer?
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In today’s fast-paced market, how do you tell buyers how to make offers that are both competitive and smart?
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To make my offer more appealing to the listing agent, please walk me through the steps you take when you make an offer.
Understanding how the agent will finesse offers and negotiate on your behalf is key to ensuring your best interests are represented in what can often be a high-stakes bidding scenario.
Guidance on Competitive Bidding
Speaking of bidding wars, you’ll want to know how the agent can guide you through these tense situations:
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For desirable properties that may attract multiple offers, what strategies and advice can you provide to help my offer come out on top?
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How do you determine a prudent escalation limit when bidding over list price?
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What techniques do you use to gain insight on other potential offers and determine an appropriate bid price?
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If we find ourselves in a bidding war, how will you help me stay disciplined so I don’t overpay in the heat of the moment?
Leveraging the agent’s expertise and connections can help you make smart bidding decisions and avoid buyer’s remorse later.
Availability and Responsiveness
Finding a buyer’s agent who is readily available to tour homes and provide rapid follow-through is also key. Ask potential agents:
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What does your availability look like for showings, especially on evenings and weekends when I’m available?
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How quickly can you normally get back to me with feedback or information I request?
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If I have a tight timeline for making a competitive offer, are you able to turn around contracts and paperwork the same day?
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What systems and processes do you have in place to ensure excellent responsiveness at all stages of the home buying process?
Choose an agent who will be readily available to meet your needs and schedule.
Market and Neighborhood Expertise
Understanding the nuances of your local real estate market can make or break a deal. Be sure to ask:
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How long have you worked in my desired neighborhoods and price range? What specific insights can you provide?
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Do you keep abreast of new listings, price trends, and market conditions in these areas on an ongoing basis? How?
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What advantages do you have in identifying properties that meet my criteria before they hit the open market?
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How will you leverage your understanding of sellers and listing agents in my target neighborhoods to improve my offer position?
Local real estate knowledge directly translates to a savvier home search and negotiation process.
Vetting Properties and Providing Guidance
You’ll also want an agent who thoroughly vets properties on your behalf and provides sound guidance, including:
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Will you research key details like permits, HOA standing, potential issues flagged on disclosure forms, etc and summarize pros/cons for any property I’m interested in?
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How will you advise me on evaluating properties objectively based on comps and market data versus emotional appeal?
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For properties needing significant updates, what resources or professionals can you connect me with to assess possible renovation costs?
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What steps will you take to ensure I don’t underestimate renovation costs, required maintenance, or other hidden costs when considering an offer?
A diligent agent saves you headaches by flagging issues early and preventing overpayment.
Service Commitments and Communication
Finally, be sure to understand exactly what’s included in the buyer’s agency relationship:
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How will you keep me updated on new listings, showings scheduled, feedback on offers, and next steps throughout the purchase process?
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What response time commitments can you make regarding my inquiries and requests?
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Is there an administrative contact for scheduling showings quickly and handling paperwork?
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What happens if you are unavailable due to vacation, illness, or other reasons during my home search?
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How does your brokerage support you in providing continual service if you are out of the office?
Clear service expectations and consistent communication ensures a smooth end-to-end home buying experience.
Asking the right real estate buyer’s agent interview questions helps you identify the ideal partner – one who will provide expert negotiation, responsive service, helpful guidance, and valuable market insights. Take time to thoroughly vet agents before selecting one to work with!
Want to Interview Me/Us: Please Reach Out:
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Interview Questions for Real Estate Agents!
What questions do real estate agents ask?
Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various real estate agent interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions. What made you decide to become a real estate agent?
What should you expect from a real estate agent?
You should expect a great buyers agent to ask about your price range, desired square footage, number of bedrooms, type of heating system, and other specific questions. This will allow them to determine what homes may be a great fit.
Should you interview Realtors when buying a home?
There are no guarantees, however, by correctly interviewing Realtors when buying a home, you have a greater probability of hiring a great buyers agent.
What does a real estate agent interview entail?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the agent’s understanding of the challenges faced by real estate agents. It is important to have a good understanding of the challenges faced by real estate agents so that the agent can be prepared to overcome them. 1. Dealing with difficult clients.
