Ask A Real Estate Agent These Questions - Part 3

A good and a bad real estate agent have one thing in common – their job is to be a “deal-maker.”

So, you need to be confident in your own mind, that the real estate agent has the ability and skills required to successfully make the deal happen and achieve an outcome that you are happy with.

But, be warned - some real estate agents will perform all sorts of tricks to stitch up a deal. This is fine so long as they are not “stitching up” the buyer or the seller. There’s nothing wrong with enthusiasm to pull a deal together - it is to be applauded. However, a good real estate agent needs to remain professional and ethical at all times throughout the property selling process.

Real Estate Agent Question:

Does the real estate agent have good negotiating skills? Often, negotiations on a price and conditions go back and forth several times before a deal is made. Will the agent look for the quickest or easiest solution, or will he or she strive to get the best deal for you (the client), even if that means putting in extra effort.

Ask if the real estate agent will let you contact the last three or four home buyers/sellers the real estate agent represented.

Real Estate Agent Question:

What will the real estate agent do for you?

The agent you hire should demonstrate what actions he or she will take to help you reach your goals. The important thing is the agent needs to understand what you want from the sale and be able to represent you well to the other parties involved in the transaction.

For this reason a good agent is usually a good listener and a good communicator. That is not to say the realtor should always agree with you. A good agent will be prepared to speak his or her mind and needs to be positive, honest and realistic.

When asking what a real estate agent can do for you, look carefully at answers relating to communication and negotiation skills, personal commitment, and access to resources.

Are Real Estate Commissions Really Outrageous? Read this article about real estate commissions.