6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Buying or selling a home is an investment in your financial future. Making sure you have the right real estate agent to meet your needs will help your transaction run smoothly and get you the outcome you desire whether it’s selling your home at a certain price point or buying your dream home.

Here are six great questions to ask before hiring a real estate agent:
      1. Are you a full-time agent? You might like Aunt Sally’s friend’s daughter but if she does real estate part-time, you might not get the level of customer service you desire and deserve. I recommend working with a full-time agent who can dedicate more time and effort to your transaction. (Yes, I am a full-time real estate agent. If I am not buying or selling homes, I am not making money)
      2. Are you a member of the National Association of Realtors? REALTORS® must abide by the NAR Code of Ethics and state regulations. They must also complete continuing education. (Yes, I am a member of NAR and a REALTOR®.)
       3. What hours do you prefer to work? Finding the right real estate agent means finding someone who is working on your behalf and who can provide customer service to you when you are available. For example, I typically work 8am-7pm and prefer to take Sundays off. But,  I will do what it takes to make your transaction go smooth from start to finish and understand that may mean working on Sunday. You can count on me!
      4. What is the marketing plan for my home? My marketing plans include listing your home on 115-130 websites including the most common real estate sites, Canadian and local websites. I also do Open Houses and invite local realtors to tour your home. That is just the beginning of the tools I have to help you sell your home. I would love to discuss all the facets with you!
      5.What is your experience in helping buyers? If you’re looking for a specific type of home – a new build or for sale by owner, for example – you want to be sure your agent has experience in negotiating that type of contract. I have experience in new built homes and FSBO(for sale by owner) transactions along with traditional purchases, Bank Owned Properties, Short sales and HUD properties…I have even helped purchase auction properties.  
      6.How long have you been a real estate agent in the Phoenix area? We’ve all been new at our jobs. My vision and goal for my clients is for you to be confident you’re working with someone who understands the local market and the real estate transaction process. I have more than eight years of experience in the southeast valley- I have seen the worst of our market and can help you navigate you way through to make sure your path is the right path and will get you to where you want to be, as smoothly as possible. 


Whether you’re selling or buying a home, it’s important to ask questions before hiring a real estate agent. They’re working for you to help you have a successful transaction, but they also must make about your goal, not their pocket book. It is really important for you to be able to work together. For more information about our real estate services, contact the team at Berry Realty today!

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