The Most Critical Questions to
Ask Any Agent Before Listing
- How many homes have you sold in the last 90 days (not your company or your office, but you personally)? (Hint: If they have not sold at leas 20 homes in the last 90 days, their production may not be at the level that would provide a superior advantage to you.)
- How long have you been an active, working agent (not just licensed or in the real estate business, but how long have you actually been selling in the market)? ( Hint: If they have not been in the market for 10 years or more, they missed some of the cyclical ups and downs that have defined values and the sheer transaction experience needed to benefit you.)
- Do you have a 24 hour POWER line that provides information to buyers at any time, 24 hours a day? Do you pay for it yourself or is it provided by a lender or your company? (Having a 1-800 POWER number is vital. Consider going no further if one is not part of the agent's marketing. If a 1-800 number is part of their marketing, but is provided by his company or a lender, it serves virtually no benefit to you as the seller.)
- Do you know the difference between passive selling and aggressive marketing? (Hint: Don’t say a word. Wait and see if they truly have an explanation or even know that there is a difference. If not, consider choosing someone else.)
- Do you have an aggressive market plan into which you invest your personal dollars? (Hint: Most real estate companies provide such generic marketing, that if the agent doesn't supplement it, your promotions remain limited.)
- How does your marketing benefit your sellers directly? (Hint: The largest part of most marketing plans benefits you only indirectly. The same marketing efforts can provide a direct benefit to you if handled properly.)
- What sort of guarantee do you offer? (Hint: Aren't warranties offered for nearly every service or product that you purchase? Why should real estate service be any different? Expect an iron clad guarantee of performance or else. The “or else” is the teeth of the guarantee.)
- Do you test your marketing techniques for results? (Hint: If your agent does not know where his best results come from, how can you be sure the best marketing techniques are being used. Not just assumptions or company statistics, but real monitoring of your marketing to determine what is best for you, the seller!)
- What Internet marketing is done for my home, for you as an agent and for your company? (Hint: Marketing on the Internet is vital in today’s environment. If the company and agent does not have a strong Web presence, you will be at a disadvantage.)
- Do you have a team or an assistant? (Hint: Today’s market makes it very difficult for one agent to do it all. Even if an assistant or several assistants are part of the picture, find out how the tasks are divided. Your agent should be concentrating on finding you a buyer by marketing and following up.)
- How do you have access to incoming transferees and new employees? (Hint: There are 25 companies in Green Bay that dominate the relocation business and they may not be who you think. Find out more!)
These are direct questions that you should ask your next potential agent. He or she should be able to answer them. Don't just list your home because you like someone or because a realtor sent you something in the mail. Your home is your largest asset. List it with someone with a track record for sales; someone who sells homes and doesn't just list them!
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