Smart Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent

Buying or selling a house requires a fair amount of planning and expertise. Edmonton real estate evolves constantly, and it’s always good to have a pulse on the market to ensure great results and a seamless transition.

A local real estate agent can guide you through your entire move and optimize your experience, no matter what side of the transaction you are on. The right questions will help you narrow it down to a skilled professional who is dedicated to a high level of service.

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Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Realtor®

It makes sense to ask your real estate agent about their experience and track record before hiring them. However, the number of years in business doesn’t necessarily make them the right fit. What you’re looking for is the ideal combination of skills and a commitment to making your transition as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Here are some deeper questions to ensure you and your Realtor® are working toward the same goals.

Who is my direct contact?

This is a big question clients often never think to ask. It’s especially important when you’re working with a big real estate team.

You may sign a contract with the understanding that the team lead will represent you only to be passed on to someone you haven’t even met. Since you want to ensure you are working with an expert you feel comfortable with, it’s critical to know who your contact will be.

How will we stay in touch?

Your agent might prefer to communicate with you by text or phone call. The real question you are trying to get to the bottom of is, “Will you respond to me on a timely basis?”

No one likes getting ghosted, especially when making the decision to buy or sell a house! A good agent will be there for you through thick and thin.

Can you tell me about your fee structure?

Real estate transactions come with a series of closing costs that can be unexpected. Before signing an agreement, you want to know exactly what percentage of the sale will go to the brokerage.

Typically, it’s the seller who pays the commissions to both the seller and buyer agents. There can occasionally be exceptions. Be sure to know who is responsible for what costs so there are no surprises as your transaction closes.

Who else is in your network?

You can tell a lot about a real estate agent by the professionals they surround themselves with. Being well-connected is a sign that they have integrity and a reputation for following through on their promises.

It also suggests that they have been successful in their market for quite some time. As an added bonus, you will also have access to all of the other experts you need to make your move seamless, such as reputable moving services and tradespeople.

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What to Ask When Buying a House

Finding the right real estate agent is half of the battle when it’s time for a move. Before buying a house, you will already have an idea of your budget and where you want to be.

A few thoughtful questions can make your experience even more successful. Your real estate agent can help you determine what to ask and when to help you get the best home for your budget.

Should I get a home inspection?

Whenever possible, it’s always wise to add an inspection as a condition of your offer. This helps to ensure all of the major systems are in good working order and that you are unlikely to face unexpected problems after taking possession. Keep in mind that sellers aren’t always agreeable to conditions if the market is in their favour.

That said, you can still arrange for an inspection at your own expense before you place your offer. At the very least, ask the seller if they have a pre-listing inspection report you can review. Your real estate agent can show you exactly what to look for to decide if the house is a great find.

Are there any upcoming developments in this area?

A great location is a must, but remember that neighbourhoods can change over time. A little background research can help you uncover any developments that might influence your decision to buy a specific home.

One example is if you buy a house because it’s on a quiet street. You want to make sure they’re not about to put in a major highway the next block over. If you buy a home with a view, the last thing you want is for a massive condo building to be constructed just outside your window. I always tell my clients to buy for the moment, but also consider what happens in the next few years.

Will I be able to sell this home?

You might not have any plans to leave your home, ever. However, you should still keep its saleability in mind before you place an offer.

Real estate is a significant investment as well as the place where you live and make memories. If your equity grows over time, you’ll have greater purchasing power and better financial health in the future.

Looking for more selling tips? Check out the posts below:

Smart Questions to Ask Before Selling a Home

Selling a home you love is never an easy decision. Still, most people will move at least a couple of times throughout their lives. Each relocation represents another step on the property ladder, which means it’s critical to get the best possible value. Here are some great questions to ask before choosing your listing agent.

How long will it take to get my home ready for the market?

If an agent promises you that you don’t need to do any work or that you can be on the market within the week, I’d suggest running in the opposite direction. To get optimum results, your home must have maximum appeal to potential buyers.

You don’t necessarily have to take months to prepare for the market. However, you want to make sure buyers are walking into a clean, beautiful home. It’s well worth a little time and attention to do it right.

Do I really need to perform this upgrade?

On the opposite side of the spectrum, some homeowners go overboard and invest in upgrades they don’t need. There’s a delicate balance between under-preparing and over-preparing. Here are a few guiding principles to keep in mind:

Some repairs are mandatory to sell your home at all. Buyers expect that the roof, furnace, and windows are in working order. If not, they’ll want a heavy discount that often exceeds the cost of repairs.

Cosmetic repairs make your home more appealing to buyers. New flooring, paint, and kitchen and bathroom upgrades help you sell faster and can push the price to the top of your range. However, they will likely not cause you to sell for more than fair market value.

Over-improving is not a guarantee of a return on investment. If you spend $100K on renovations, you should not assume you will earn $100K back on your selling price. Over-preparing and unnecessary renovations are a common mistake homeowners make!

Poor quality renovations hurt you more than help you. Buyers expect quality, and a good inspector can spot shoddy repairs from a mile away. It’s better to not invest in renovations at all than to spend money on substandard work.

Home improvements protect value and help your listing stand out in the market place. But unless you update your home completely from top to bottom, they are unlikely to raise the ceiling on your selling price.

Realistic expectations are essential!

Keep in mind that, while buyers want to see a pristine home full of potential, they also want to add their own finishing touches. Investing time and money into a renovation that they are only going to redo is not the best use of your resources. Your real estate agent can help you determine what upgrades you absolutely must make and what’s best left for the buyer.

How much is my home worth?

Putting a dollar value on your home is one of the hardest parts of selling it. This space is full of your dreams and memories, which makes it priceless in your eyes. However, the buyer has none of these emotional attachments to your home, so your price must reflect fair value in the market today.

Once again, it’s time to rely on your real estate agent. A local expert with experience in your area can analyze the data so you hit the market with a price point that attracts buyers’ attention while reflecting the true value of the home you love.

By maximizing your results, you’ll be in an excellent position to move on to your next chapter, whatever that will look like.

If you’re ready to buy or sell a home in Edmonton, I am here to help every step of the way. Send me an email to jolene@jolenelangelle.com or give me a call at 780.910.1317 to learn more.