Tanya Kerr here from T. Kerr Property Group. We're tackling a crucial step in your real estate journey today – choosing the right Realtor. Dave Ramsey, a financial guru, emphasizes the importance of interviewing potential Realtors, and I couldn't agree more. This isn't just any transaction; it's a pivotal decision in your life. To ensure you team up with the best, here are some essential questions to help you uncover the top Realtors in your market. Let's dive in and discover what sets a top-tier Realtor apart!

Question: What is your production?

In other words, how many homes do you sell in a year?

This is important to know because the difference between someone who sells ten homes in a year and someone who sells one hundred homes in a year is extraordinary. Each transaction brings new learning opportunities, challenges and weird twists. The agent that faces these hurddles more often will be better equipped to win the best deals and facilitate smoother transactions for their clients. They will have systems and process built to navigate roadblocks and get ahead of issues before you even know they exist. Don’t think of an agent who does high production as being too busy, think of them as someone who is bringing a wealth of experience to the table.

Question: What percentage of your clients are sellers vs buyers?

Someone that is primarily a listing agent is not hearing what buyers are saying when they are walking properties, they are not learning the buyer mentality and they are not staying on top of what buyers are feeling when it comes to the pressures of interest rates and timing the market.

On the flip side, if someone only works with buyers and not listings then they don't know what kind of offers are coming into listings. They don't know if it's 5% under, they don't know if people are asking for closing costs, and they don't understand what constitutes a normal offer at any given moment. the market is fluid and if someone isn’t in the market with frequency and working with both buyers and sellers may not be understand how the market is changing in rapid pace.

Question: Tell me about a really challenging transaction and how you navigated it?

This is incredibly important to ask because you learn what the agent does to get ahead of problems. You might learn how well they know the contract and how they pull in resources to find ways to work around contract issues. Someone that is resourcefull and has critical thinking skills as your agent is incredibly important.

A similar question you can ask it, “Tell me about a time when an inspection report came back with major repairs and how you navigated that.” Or you can also ask, “Tell me about a time where you objected to a survey or restrictions in a contract and how that worked out.”

Question: What's your viewpoint on the relationship with the other side in the transaction?

When selecting a real estate agent, it's crucial to listen to how they discuss potential conflicts. While you need an agent who is assertive and not afraid of conflict, it's important that their default approach isn't adversarial. Look for someone who has the ability to be tough when necessary but prefers to navigate transactions with a mindset geared towards solutions and cooperation, rather than immediate conflict. This balance is key in representing your best interests effectively and can be done more effectively when your agent has strong relationships in the business because other agents will want to work with them.

Ask scenario questions

When choosing a real estate agent, it's beneficial to ask scenario-based questions. This approach goes beyond rehearsed answers and delves into the agent's actual experiences. For instance, questions about specific types of sales, like probate or luxury properties, can reveal their expertise in those areas. Inquire about their experience in particular neighborhoods or property types. It's also important to assess their knowledge of current market data, their ongoing education, and their understanding of complex issues like title work. Asking challenging questions helps you discern if the agent is analytical, well-informed, and capable of navigating complicated situations, ensuring you find a truly skilled professional.

Conclusion

From understanding an agent's experience in dealing with various types of transactions to gauging their approach in challenging situations and their relationship dynamics with other parties in a deal, asking your potential Realtor questions will guide you to make an informed choice. So don’t be afraid to ask uncomfortable questions and lots of them. The more you know, the better your chances are of finding the agent that will get you the best deal possible. The right questions lead you to the right Realtor, setting the foundation for a successful real estate venture. If you have any questions about real estate, don’t hesitate to ask me anything ;)

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Looking for more real estate insights or ready to start your home buying journey? Connect with us at T. Kerr Property Group, where your home dreams are our mission.

Call us today at: (512) 851-8350