Most people spend more time deciding what to eat for dinner than on choosing a broker. The broker you choose makes a huge difference when it comes to buying or selling a home. It’s important to know what to look for and what questions to ask.
When Selling a Home
The skills that a broker needs to have to sell your home include knowing the market and understanding how to negotiate. Here are some ways to find a great broker:
Get Recommendations From Friends
It’s likely that you know someone who has sold their home. Ask around and see if any of your friends have worked with a broker they like. Consider hiring a family member if they have a broker’s license.
Interview in Person
It’s not enough to interview prospective brokers over the phone. Make appointments to interview brokers in person. Interview at least three brokers so you can compare them with each other. See which one strikes you as being the most capable.
Ask About Recent Deals
A good broker should be able to tell you about some recent successes they’ve had. Don’t be afraid to ask for details. Find out why the sale was a success. Did it have to do with the market? Did the broker have to use any special negotiating skills?
When Buying a Home
You want a broker who really knows the area when you are buying a home. Here are some ways to choose:
Consider Their Network
Look for a broker with a very large network. This means that they’ll know about all the available inventory for you to look at. Some brokers may even know of available homes that haven’t yet been listed.
See If They Listen Well
A good broker listens to what the buyers want. Tell the broker what you’re looking for in a home. Then, ask them to recite it back to you. Did they remember all the important details?
Ask If They Will Drive
You want a broker that will give you good service. This means they’ll use their own gas and drive you around to look at homes. You shouldn’t have to use your own fuel.
Take your time when choosing a broker to buy or sell a home. The broker plays a large role in the success of the transaction.