Find a great agent with these interview questions

Sure, finding a real estate agent is easy... google search agents in your area and read some reviews. But how do you determine if an agent is a great agent? Thankfully, we have worked with hundreds of agents and can help you spot the right agent when you meet them.

We always recommend interviewing agents before you commit to working with them or signing a buyer/agent agreement. Even if you get a family or friend referral to an agent, we recommend you get to know them better and see if they are the right fit for you and the type of home you are buying. Asking these questions can save you a LOT of future anxiety and disappointment.

Top 5 questions you should ask your agent ✅

1. Can you tell me about your production numbers in the past 12 months? How many homes have you helped buyers purchase?
2. Can you tell me a bit about how you typically work with buyers?
3. How do you specifically help first-time buyers?
4. How often do you work with first-time buyers?
5. How do you typically put together a buying and bid strategy?

Questions to continue with...

1. Do you usually put together a counter-offer strategy before our initial bid?
2. Can you tell me how you work with lenders?
3. Do you have a team that helps facilitate closing?
4. Do you use inspection reports to ask for concessions as part of your normal process?
5. How do you typically request your buyer agent commission? From the seller?
6. Do you have a sample buyer agreement you can send me?
7. How do you typically structure opting out of buyer agreements?
8. What can you share about the current market?
9. Is it a buyers market or a sellers market?
10. How do you navigate each type of market to help me as a buyer?
11. Can I add you to my Nestment group so we can share and analyze listings together? 
12. And finally, are you available via text for quick questions?

Spotting a great agent 🙌

• Meets you at your level of home buying comprehension.
• Doesn't overly use jargon or complicated words.
• Creates a clear timeline and expectations that reflect what you actually told them.
• Are great educators with patience and empathy.
• Doesn't make you feel stupid.

Red flags to look out for 🚩

• No track record of production.
• Does not have much experience with your use case (multi-family home, investment property, down payment assistance, etc.)
• You have to proactively reach out to them or check-in with you.
• Rushes you to sign a buyer agreement with them.
• Bad communicator (calls, emails, texting)