Top 10 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a REALTOR®

July 25, 2024 | Real Estate Tips

Understanding the Importance of a Good REALTOR®

Finding the right real estate agent is crucial to a successful home buying or selling experience and asking the right questions can make all the difference to your overall experience.  This guide, put together by The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team, renowned Windsor, ON real estate agents, will help you explore the top 10 questions to ask when interviewing a REALTOR® to ensure you choose the best professional for your needs.

A knowledgeable real estate broker can provide invaluable insights into the local market, help negotiate the best deals, and guide you through the complex process of buying or selling a home. With so much at stake, it’s essential to find a local real estate team that is experienced and understands your local real estate market trends.

 

1. How Long Have You Been Working in Real Estate? / How Many Homes Have You Sold?

Experience matters. Knowing how long a REALTOR®  has been in the business can give you an idea of their expertise and familiarity with the local market.  How many homes they have sold will also give you a glimpse into their industry experience and ability to handle complex situations.  The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team, with years of experience in the Windsor and Essex County real estate industry, offers a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success.

 

2. What Area or Niche Do You Specialize In?

REALTORS® often specialize in certain neighbourhoods or types of properties. It’s important to find someone who knows your local area and market trends well.  A specialist will be more adept at finding properties that meet your criteria and can provide valuable insights into local trends.  Often on real estate teams, you will find agents with experience in different sectors of the real estate industry.

 

3. Can You Provide References From Past Clients?

A reputable real estate team should have no problem providing references. Speaking with or reviewing testimonials from past clients can give you an idea of what to expect and how the REALTOR® operates. The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team has numerous satisfied clients who will attest to their professionalism and success in the Windsor real estate market.  Be sure to check the Google and Facebook reviews for any agents you are interviewing.

 

4. How Do You Market Homes?

Marketing is crucial in real estate. Ask about the strategies they use to market homes, including online listings, social media, open houses, and more. What is their reach?  How many people do they have in their database?  How are they unique?  Effective marketing can significantly impact how quickly and profitably your home sells.

As an example, The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team Ltd., Brokerage serving Windsor and Essex County, hosts The Dan Gemus Real Estate Show on AM800 CKLW every Saturday and Sunday between noon and 1pm, where they not only share their real estate experiences but also provide a platform to promote their listings to more than 90,000 unique channel listeners on top of a multitude of other marketing strategies developed over years of experience in the Windsor-Essex real estate market.

 

5. What Is Your Availability?

Real estate transactions often require quick decisions and timely responses. Ensure your real estate agent is available when you need them and ask about their communication methods – not just with you, but also with prospective buyers and cooperating agents.  What are their plans for coverage if they are unavailable, on vacation, or sick?  What kind of support do they have for the busy times?

 

6. How Do You Handle Multiple Offers?

In competitive markets, multiple offers are common. Ask how the REALTOR® manages these situations to ensure you get the best possible outcome. Experienced Windsor real estate agents, like those on The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team serving Windsor and Essex County, ON, have strategies to handle such scenarios effectively.

 

7. What Are Your Fees and Commission?

Understanding the cost of hiring a REALTOR® is crucial.  Ask about their commission structure and any additional fees.  Transparency can prevent misunderstandings later on.  Be sure to understand all benefits and services are included in their fees.  Beware of promises of lower commission.  Lower commission often translates into poor negotiation skills, fewer services and less exposure.  Choosing the real estate team that offers more, is likely to result in a higher selling price, meaning more money in your pocket in the end.

 

8. Can You Explain the Buying/Selling Process?

Whether you’re buying or selling, the process can be complex. A good real estate team should be able to explain each step clearly, from listing to closing. The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team excels at making the process as smooth as possible for their clients in Windsor and Essex County.

 

9. How Do You Stay Updated on Market Trends?

Real estate markets are dynamic. REALTORS® should stay informed about the latest trends and changes. Inquire about how they keep their current market knowledge. This ensures they can provide the best advice based on the most recent data. Experience matters.

 

10. Why Should I Choose You Over Another REALTOR®?

This question allows the REALTOR® to highlight their unique selling points. Listen for qualities such as local expertise, market driven experience, a strong professional network, and a track record of success.

 

Conclusion

Choosing the right real estate agent can significantly impact your home buying or selling experience. By asking these top 10 questions, you can ensure you find a professional who understands your unique needs and can navigate the complexities of your local real estate market with ease.

The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team’s commitment to client satisfaction and extensive knowledge of Windsor and Essex County real estate market make them a top choice in the region.  If you are thinking of making a move to or from the Windsor-Essex region, reach out to our team of professionals 7 days/week: 519-566-5565 and find us online at: www.DanGemus.com

 

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