10 Questions to Ask When Hiring a REALTOR®
January 19, 2023
Homeowners should interview a few potential REALTORS® before deciding on one to sell their home. Here are some smart questions to ask, along with Halifax REALTOR® and CENTURY 21 All Points' Broker-Owner David Yetman's answers.
1. How long have you been in the business?
A freshly-licensed REALTOR® can do a wonderful job and will have up-to-date training; BUT…those in the business longer bring more practical experience to the table.
A: 34 years
2. What is your average list-to-sales-price ratio?
A competent listing REALTOR® should hold a track record for negotiating sales prices that are very close to list prices. This is as a % of what it is listed for based on what sells for, kind of the “Historical vs Hysterical” pricing scenario.
A: This a moving target, based on the “When” ie time of the year, current market situation, for example, Pre Pandemic- Pandemic, Post Pandemic and many other factors.
3. How will your marketing plan meet my needs?
Specifically, how will you sell my home? How will your “Marketing Plan” maximize the price and timing of the sale of my home? Will you show me a sample flyer? Explain your “Online Presence”
A: We provide a customized marketing plan, taking into account all of the factors and variables for each individual property.
4. Will you provide references?
Ask if any of the references are related to the REALTOR®. Ask if you can call their references with additional questions.
5. What separates you from your competition?
Key phrases to listen for: assertive, available by phone or e-mail, analytical, professional, reliable, and able to maintain a good sense of humour under trying circumstances.
A: I am known as Mr. Available and refer to the online references above!
6. May I review documents that I will be asked to sign?
A good REALTOR® always makes forms available to you before you are required to sign them. Ask to see agency disclosure, the listing agreement and seller disclosure.
A: Part of our SOP - Standard Operating Procedure!
7. How will you help me find other professionals?
Ask for a written list of referring vendors. Get an explanation if you see the term “affiliated”. It could mean the REALTOR® is getting compensation from vendors.
A: Online at MyRealtyAdvisors.ca
8. How much do you charge?
You don’t have to ask if the fee is negotiable, since all real estate fees are negotiated. It may be a good idea to ask what their commission fee is for your reference.
A: There is a definite difference between a “discount” and Full Service, sort of “you get what you pay for, a “discount” may not get you what your home is truly worth, avoid ”leaving money on the table”!
9. What kind of guarantee do you offer?
If you sign a listing agreement with the REALTOR® and later find that you are unhappy with the arrangement, will the REALTOR® let you cancel the agreement?
A: Our CENTURY 21 “Sellers Service Pledge” in writing!
10. What haven’t I asked you that I need to know?
Pay close attention to how the REALTOR® answers this question, because there is always something you need to know--always.
A: Do You Use Technology? and How Do you Use it?
I am the Past Chair and the current Co-Chair of the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors Technology Committee, I believe in “High Tech…High Touch” technology gives me more time to be with and available to my clients
And Remember…You Have Questions…We have answers
How Can We Help?
Have questions on the Nova Scotia buying and selling process, the current local market, or a particular property you've seen for sale? We have answers, and we'd love to help. Contact us by filling out the form below or call us anytime.
