Real Estate Agent

Many buyers aren't aware that contracts even exist for buyers. They do, however, they are not enforced or practiced that frequently. Many of the top producing buyers agents will choose not to utilize a contract with their client because they know they will provide great service and not have to worry about losing their client.

Another primary reason why buyers agents don't utilize contracts is because they are very difficult to enforce, should a buyer break an agreement. Often a real estate agent will spend thousands of dollars in legal fees trying to recoup their commission, thus not making it worth their time or money.

Make sure they don't just list it in MLS and plant a sign in your yard. They may advertise in newspapers, magazines and other publications both in print and online. Open houses are also a way to promote your house, but their effectiveness is up for debate and in most cases only benefit the agent by attracting new buyer clients. Ask your agent about their views on open houses.

In asking this question, you don't expect the agent to give you an exact number of days that it will take to sell your property! You are looking for their understanding of the current market and the factors impacting your area, and how these will contribute to the selling process.

A great buyers agent will have a system or questionnaire in place to determine what homes may match your wants and needs. You should expect a great buyers agent to ask about your price range, desired square footage, number of bedrooms, type of heating system, and other specific questions. This will allow them to determine what homes may be a great fit.

One of the biggest complaints nationally towards Realtors is a lack of communication. You will want to find out how the Realtor will keep in contact with you. It it by phone, email, text? A Realtor should be flexible and work in the manner the client desires. Above all else there should be regular communication. Lack of communication is one of the biggest complaints nationally against real estate agents. Make sure how and how often you will be informed on what is going on in your sale.

Dual-agency is a tricky situation where the agent represents both the buyer and seller of the same transaction. When representing both sides, they in effect can not really represent either side well. If that sounds like an awkward explanation, I assure you the law is even more unclear. Read "Information about Brokerage Services" to learn about the law of agency. This is a standard form published by the Texas Real Estate Commission for agents licensed in Texas.

A team is a group of agents that service the same customers. Usually one agent does a specific task or works with a particular client or specific area. Find out how their team works. There are advantages to working with teams however their approach may seem less personal. Make sure you feel comfortable with the way their team operates and how they will service you. Also make sure that you have a list of teammates and their duties and contact information.

Do I think this agent will do a good job selling my home and can I work with him/her to achieve this goal?

If the agent you are interviewing heads up a large office, it may be that he or she will not be the one doing business with you the entire time. If that's the case, you should know up front exactly how the agent will be involved, and you should be able to meet the other agents who will be working with you.

You only want a professional full-time real estate agent to sell your house. To do it right, real estate is a full-time job. You shouldn't hire an agent that only spends a few hours a week on the job.

A good real estate agent will happily supply you with a list of previous clients that they have dealt with. Even a new agent will be able to provide some sort of positive reference, whether a past employer. Don't be afraid to follow up with them to gain their feedback before deciding to appoint an agent.

Some examples of questions you may like to ask previous references are:

► What did you like about the agent?

► How long did the property take to sell?

► Was there anything you thought they could have done better?

► Did the agent secure the sale price you wanted to achieve?

You are not looking for a rainbows and unicorns response here. An agent that is a good fit should be able to name several potential drawbacks to selling your home, from repairs to location and beyond. That said, you will be spending a good deal of time with your real estate pro, so seek out someone with a realistic but tactful approach.

Learn what they think is important for you to know. Remember, it's their job to help you understand and become comfortable with the process.

This is both a marketing and lifestyle decision. For most busy people, there are only so many weekends in a month that they can disappear from home for five hours without falling behind on housework, yard work, or homework. You need to get people in the door and looking at the property, but too many open houses opening the doors every week or two smacks of desperation; too few, by contrast, may mean that you aren't bringing potential buyers through your doors. Find a happy medium; if you know the advisor's strategy on open houses in advance, you'll either be prepared to live with it later, or you will turn to an agent who is willing to follow the schedule you want to use.

Though a new real estate agent can certainly be motivated and eager to please, a pro with years of experience will have the knowledge and skill to face unexpected challenges. Taking continuing education courses shows a commitment to keeping up with changes.