If you are interested in buying or selling Bluffton, SC, real estate, it's important to find a good real estate agent to guide you through the process. There are many agents out there, but not all of them are created equal. How do you know which one is right for you? In this blog post, we will discuss some questions that you should ask before hiring a real estate agent. We will also provide several tips on how to find a good one!
Standard questions
Experience
How long have you been an agent?
Asking about how much experience an agent has is a great way to get a feel for whether or not they are a good fit for you. If you are looking for a more experienced Bluffton real estate agent, then you will want to make sure that the agent you are considering has been in the business for at least a few years. This means they will be well-versed in the entire transaction and have top-notch insight into each step of the process.
How many homes do you sell on average each year? What percentage of those are for seller clients vs. buyer clients?
This question will give you an idea of how successful the agent is and whether they mainly focus on buyers or sellers. You can also ask for referrals from past clients to get a better sense of what it is like to work with this particular agent.
How well do you know the Bluffton area?
It’s important to find an agent who knows the area like the back of their hand. That way, they will be able to tell you about different neighborhoods that fit your budget and needs if you are buying, and they will have a better understanding of what potential buyers are looking for in Bluffton homes for sale if you are selling.
Have you ever worked with a client in a situation like mine before?
You want to team up with an agent who has experience working with clients like you, whether you’re a f
irst-time buyer, relocating for work, or moving from farther away. If you are selling, you may be handling a complex situation — for example, maybe your home was previously listed but the sale fell through. You want to gauge whether or not the agent has experience with clients in your situation and will be adept at handling your specific needs and concerns.
What percentage of your sales have fallen through, and why do you think that is?
It’s normal for some sales to fall through, but you want to make sure that your agent is working hard to avoid this. Your agent should be transparent about how they handle challenges or complex situations, as you want to work with someone who has a problem-solving mindset and a “can-do” attitude.
Availability
Do you work full-time or part-time?
You want to make sure that your agent is available when you need them. If you are looking for a full-time agent, then you will want to make sure that the agent you are considering does not have any other job commitments that could interfere with their work or responsiveness.
Do you have a team, or do you work alone? How many people will be working on my transaction?
This question is important to ask because you want to know who you will be working with. If the agent has a team, then you should meet the other members of the team and make sure that you are comfortable with them.
What is your policy on weekends and holidays?
Some agents are available 24/7, while others only work during regular business hours. You should find an agent whose availability meets your needs, within reason.
Communication style
How often will we communicate, and what is the best way to reach you?
You should find an agent who is willing to communicate as often as you need. Some people prefer to communicate via email, while others prefer phone calls or text messages. You want to team up with an agent whose communication style is in line with your own.
What is your policy on responding to after-hours calls and emails?
As we mentioned before, some agents are available 24/7 while others are not. You should find an agent whose policy on after-hours communication meets your needs.
Agreement basics
What are your fees, and how are they structured?
You should find an agent who is transparent about their fees. Some agents charge a flat fee, while others charge a percentage of the sale price.
What other services do you offer?
Some agents offer additional services, such as home staging, a home warranty, and more. You should find an agent who offers services that you are interested in.
Buyer's agent questions
If you’re in the market for a new Bluffton home, here are a few questions you don’t want to miss:
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How will you help me compete for homes in this market? In a competitive market, it’s important to find an agent who is willing to go above and beyond to help you win the home you want.
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What are your strategies for negotiating a lower purchase price? You should find an agent who is experienced in negotiating and who is willing to fight for the best price possible.
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What are your thoughts on waiving contingencies? In a seller's market, it’s not uncommon for buyers to waive contingencies in order to make their offer more attractive. You should find an agent who is willing to help you decide if this is the right move for you.
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How will you ensure my interests are honored during the purchase? You should find an agent who is willing to advocate for your best interests throughout the purchase process.
Seller's agent questions
On the flip side, if you’re listing your Bluffton home for sale, be sure to ask these questions:
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How do you determine a listing price? The agent should provide a comprehensive market analysis that justifies the listing price.
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What is your strategy for marketing my home? The agent should have a detailed plan for marketing your home, both online and offline, through tactics like open houses and advertising on social media.
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What are your thoughts on sellers who are also buying a home? You should find an agent who is familiar with the challenges that come with being a seller and a buyer in the same transaction.
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What do I need to do to prepare my property for listing? You should find an agent who is willing to help you prepare your home for listing by providing advice on things like home staging, repairs, and more.
When looking for a real estate agent, it is important to ask the right questions. By considering their answers to these questions, you can find an agent who will best represent your interests during the home buying or selling process. If you are ready to team up with the very best in Bluffton, SC, real estate, reach out to experienced local agents Anthony Mascolo and Anthony Lydon of Anthony & Co. to get started on your journey.
*Header photo courtesy of Pexels
*Header photo courtesy of Pexels
