7 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent
Our experts agree, navigating your local real estate market is often best done under the guidance of an experienced professional. It’s not every day that you buy or sell property, which is why it’s so important to have the support and knowledge of a real estate agent.
As you begin your journey, it’s imperative that you find the right real estate agent for your needs. This process may include asking for referrals from family and friends, online research and reaching out to local real estate professionals.
As you meet with potential agents, it’s important that you ask a variety of questions to help ensure that this working relationship is beneficial to you. In this article, we cover the top seven questions that you should ask your real estate agent - and why!
1. Which Locations Do You Specialize in?
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or invest, it’s no question that location is an extremely important factor. One that should be considered from all angles.
When speaking with a potential real estate agent, it’s important to establish the locations that they specialize in. Specializing in a specific location can establish a real estate agent as a true expert in that area.
From the best neighbourhoods for your lifestyle to finding a property that falls within your budget, having local experience is truly essential.
With Kathy Long and Luanne Hancey, you can feel confident that your real estate team has many years of experience navigating the real estate markets in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo.
2. What Real Estate Services Do You Offer?
Based on your needs, it’s important to establish that your real estate agent offers services that benefit you. While many real estate agents will be able to help you with a wide array of needs, some real estate agents have more limited offerings or experience in a certain area.
With Kathy Long and Luanne Hancey, you can find confidence in knowing that our team has many years of experience in all areas of real estate. We proudly offer services to assist you with buying, selling, investing, and commercial leasing.
We even aim to go above and beyond with a white-glove experience approach, with our all-inclusive real estate solutions!
3. Can You Provide a List of References?
Your real estate agent should be able to provide you with a list of references. This is important for two main reasons.
Speak With Past Clients
By receiving referrals from your real estate agent, you will be provided with the opportunity to learn more about what it’s like to work with them. How do they communicate? Are they prompt? What was the outcome? These are all valid areas of concern that can be answered by speaking with their past clients.
Build Trust and Credibility
When a real estate agent provides you with references, without delay or hesitation, they can effectively build both trust and credibility with you. It shows that they are not only completely transparent, but also confident in their work.
Talk about a green flag!
4. How Do You Communicate With Clients?
How your real estate agent plans to communicate with you is exceptionally important.
It’s no secret that the world of real estate moves very quickly. In order to ensure that you’re provided with information about everything from viewings and offers, to new listings on the market and more, effective communication is key.
With Kathy Long and Luanne Hancey, we utilize all forms of communication with our clients. Generally how we communicate with a client will depend on their preferences. Some clients enjoy information being relayed over phone calls and text messages, while others prefer email, in-person meetings or even social media!
5. Do You Foresee Any Challenges?
Based on your unique situation, it’s important to establish any challenges that a potential real estate agent may foresee.
Is your preferred location outside of the budget?
Is your home in need of a repair or professional staging?
Is it not an ideal time to buy or sell right now?
In real estate, transparency is key. It’s important to establish these potential challenges before getting started, and how your real estate agent answers this question can tell you a lot about their approach.
6. What is Your Experience in Real Estate?
The experience that your real estate agent has should be taken into consideration. This can range from the number of years that they have worked in the real estate industry, to the location that they specialize in, the properties that they generally work with, and more!
If your real estate agent has many years of experience in your area, with your preferred property types and the services you’re in need of, it may be the perfect fit!
7. How Do You Plan to Market My Property?
In 2023 and beyond, there are many marketing strategies that are utilized throughout the real estate industry. Some real estate agents may take a more traditional approach, while others take advantage of the latest trends and technology available. Better yet, some agents prefer a combination of the two!
Whether they plan to utilize social media or let the “For Sale” sign work its magic, it’s important to establish their approach at the very beginning.
Contact Kathy Long and Luanne Hancey Today
Could you benefit from guidance and support in your real estate journey? Contact Kathy Long and Luanne Hancey for help getting started! With many years of experience in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, we are here to help with your every need.
