10 things you should ask a real estate agent

Having the right real estate professional by your side can greatly improve your home-buying experience.

Here are 10 questions to ask before you work with an agent.

   1. Are you a full-time professional REALTOR®?

   2. What geographic areas do you specialize in?

   3. Do you have a Website? What information can I find there?

   4. How will you keep me informed during my home search and throughout the transaction?

   5. Do you have a staff or a team? If so, what roles will they play in my transaction?

   6. Will you show me properties from other companies' listings?
(Some real estate companies do offer their buyer's agents a higher commission if they are able to sell "in-house" listings. In those instances, there can be added incentive to limit the range of homes you are shown. This may affect your home search and how much your agent's fee will be.)

  7. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you also represent the seller? May I have that in writing?   

  8. How will you get paid? How are your fees structured? May I have that in writing?

  9. What distinguishes you from other real estate agents? What is your negotiating style?

 10. Do you have a performance guarantee? If I am not satisfied with your performance, can I terminate  
       our buyer agency agreement?
In the heavily regulated world of real estate, it can be difficult to offer a performance guarantee. Typically, agents will outline verbally what you can expect from their performance.