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4 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Broker to See If They’re Up To Snuff
Selling a home is undoubtedly one of the biggest financial transactions people undertake in their lives. More than 70 percent of homeowners prefer hiring a real estate broker to make the process of selling a property smooth, stress-free, and profitable. While many consumers continue to include home ownership in their American Dream, some are hesitant to invest, probably because they aren’t knowledgeable about real estate.
No doubt buying or selling a home can be a daunting and nerve-racking process, but you don’t have to go through it alone. That’s where a commercial real estate broker comes in handy and ensures that sellers get the best offer for their property.
Keep in mind that not all agents are realtors, although each is licensed to sell real estate. So, it’s your responsibility to weed out the dabblers and find the brokerage that best suits your needs and budget.
When it comes to finding a good real estate broker, you need to ask some essential questions upfront to save yourself the trouble later. Here’s a monster list of questions to ask when choosing a commercial real estate broker in California, and nearby areas.
1. Is real estate a full-time job for you?
The very first thing you should ask a real estate broker is whether they work full-time or part-time. Avoid hiring a part-time agent or negotiator who putters in real estate. The availability of a dealer plays a vital role, especially in the hot markets. It’s no secret that time is of the essence for buyers, so you need to hire someone who has previously been successful in real estate and is available when needed. It’s best to hire a reputable realtor as they can guide you through the process and allow your home to be listed sooner. They also provide you with comparable market analysis which saves you time and money.
2. What sets you apart from other real estate brokers?
Since all real estate brokers have different levels of expertise, knowledge, traits, and marketing & negotiating skills, how do you figure out which realtor is right for you? Ask your potential agents what set them apart from other realtors and find out who responds well. You’re looking for an experienced professional, not just an enthusiastic beginner who has just stepped into the real estate industry. Hire a realtor who has a proven track record and is experienced with your situation – the one who knows your area and market and can help find you the right buyer for your property.
3. How long have you been in this business?
Before hiring a realtor, it’s always a good idea to ask how long they’ve been in the business. In some cases, the experience of realtors may not be as important as the quality of service they provide, as it’s imperative for them to stay up-to-date on recent real estate trends and marketing techniques. Asking this question will let you know how well a realtor knows the local market and your kind of property. Try enquiring other things as well, such as which properties have been sold in your area in the last three to six months – for how much, and after how long. Since listing your home at a realistic price is paramount, ask the commercial real estate broker how often they’ve had to reduce the price of property in order to sell it. Always remember, a good realtor is the one who is versatile, understands the “psychology of the market”, and disagrees to market a property that they consider overpriced.
4. Can I see reviews of your past deals?
Before hiring a real estate broker, it’s strongly recommended to read customer reviews. Yes, you heard it right! A successful and confident realtor has nothing to hide and is more than willing to provide you with the names and contact information of their previous clientele. While your broker may provide you their hand-picked endorsements of clients they have kept happy, it’s your responsibility to get the full list of reviews, especially from their dissatisfied customers. Always remember, a few success stories do not necessarily define a good real estate broker, but it’s the exceptional customer service that sets his or her place above all the rest.
These are the most important questions to ask before hiring a commercial real estate broker. Follow this checklist while interviewing your potential realtors, and don’t settle until you’re satisfied with the answers. But how will you figure out which agents to interview in the first place? Fortunately for you, there’s a plethora of information available online, including broker names, stats, experience, reviews, and more that can help you choose a realtor who understands your needs and can help guide you through the buying or selling process.
If you’re looking for a reputable and professional real estate brokerage in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, then give us a call @ (909) 377-3137 or drop a message: bb@arrowbcd.com