Interviewing Tips Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent - Questions to Ask

Buying a house is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make in your life. In view of that, as a home buyer, you need to choose an experienced real estate agent that can help make the job of buying a home as stress free as possible. Not all real estate pros are the same. It is important to interview a Realtor you can trust and can solve difficult problems if they happen. Here are a few suggested questions every buyer ought to ask a real estate agent before hiring them:

• How long have they been licensed as an agent?
  

  An unproven real estate agent may be fine for uncomplicated purchases, like condos or townhouses. However, for most purchases, you want to find a real estate professional that has a minimum 5 years of experience. Obtaining a real estate salesperson license is pretty simple. Being with the business for at least five years isn't and shows a strong commitment to the real estate profession.

• Does the Realtor do this as a part-time or full-time occupation?
  

  While all real estate agents have to start somewhere, working with a part-time Realtor may not be your top pick. Part-time real estate agents have other obligations that can get in the way of giving you full-time attention

• Does the Realtor seek continuing education or have any certifications or college degrees?
  

  Although designations and college degrees are not needed, there are not very many real estate agents that have industry designations or a college degree. Obtaining one or the other, or both may show the agent's commitment to their profession.

• How available is the real estate agent?
  

  Does the Realtor maintain office hours? Can you call them at home? Do they quickly respond to emails? Buying a home can be a nerve-racking experience. With lots of surprises along the way, you'll want an agent that's easily reachable if you need to reach them.



• Take note if the Realtor is good listener.
  

  Do they butt in before you've finished a sentence? There's nothing worse than wasting time looking at houses you have no interest in since the real estate agent has not listened carefully to your requests.

Joey Dodge is a Southern California real estate broker. For up to date real estate news, visit his Riverside Real Estate or San Diego Real Estate site.