Among all of the big decisions you’ll make regarding buying a home, you cannot understate the importance of choosing who will help you throughout your homebuying journey. Knowing the right questions to ask a Realtor can help you find the right expert for your situation.
A real estate professional who understands your needs, including the particular challenges of military life, can be a powerful ally in creating a positive homebuying experience. From moving across the country to having preferences regarding proximity to military installations and certain schools, military members require an experienced Realtor to help them find the perfect home.
Before you begin looking at homes, create a list of potential Realtors to interview. Taking the time to speak to a few real estate agents and get a feel for their professional approach will help you make an informed decision.
Once you’ve made your list from your research and recommendations, ask each Realtor these five key interview questions. Their answers to these questions for real estate agents will guide you to the right fit for you!
1. Are you a Realtor®?
At first glance, this question may confuse you. Are all real estate agents Realtors? The two terms “real estate agent” and “Realtor” are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. All Realtors are real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are Realtors.
Once an individual passes their real estate exams, they have a choice to take their career further and join the National Association of Realtors. Once a real estate agent joins NAR, they are considered a Realtor®.
Having a Realtor on your team means that you are working with someone who is held to a higher standard within the real estate sector. They typically have access to a professional network that can significantly benefit you as their client.
Although you don’t have to work with a Realtor, it is a good box to check when vetting professionals for your homebuying journey.
2. What is your real estate agent commission?
Buying a home is an investment and an expensive one at that. Establish up front exactly what any Realtor-related expenses are, how they are determined and when they are due. Keep in mind that most real estate professionals belong to a brokerage that has policies and requirements regarding their commission fees.
While real estate commission fees may vary slightly from agent to agent, the person you work with probably shouldn’t charge a significant percentage higher than the rest of the professionals you interview.
Real estate agents work very hard for their clients and deserve to get paid for their time, resources and effort. However, anyone you work with should be very clear and upfront about how much it will cost to work with them.
More Like This: Want to know more about the ideal order of operations when it comes to buying a home? Check out our quick guide to the homebuying process!
3. How has this market changed in the past few years?
The housing market is ever-changing, and the real estate professional you work with should have updated information regarding the current market. Having a knowledgeable agent on your side also means you are working with a professional who knows how to properly navigate and negotiate according to the present real estate landscape.
Your real estate agent should be able to discuss the changes in the market with you in a knowledgeable way and articulate a clear strategy to help you achieve your real estate goals.
4. What do you need from me to make this go smoothly?
While you want to choose the right real estate agent for your needs, you also want to make sure you are doing everything you can to help them achieve a successful outcome. After all, buying a home is a team effort, and knowing what they need from you will help everything run smoothly.
Each agent will have their own workflow based on their first-hand industry experience. Ensuring their approach matches your preferences and needs will contribute to a more personalized real estate experience.
Ask your Realtor candidates whether they prefer to communicate digitally, by phone or in person, and how frequently they will expect to speak with or see you. You will also want to know how quickly they will expect you to respond and make important decisions.
5. What advice do you have for a buyer planning to use a VA loan?
If you plan to use your VA benefits to purchase your home, having a Realtor familiar with the VA loan process is essential. Whatever agent you choose to work with should be willing to work with you on finding a home that complies with VA loan requirements and meets your specific criteria.
Your real estate agent should have a positive attitude about your need to find a home that accommodates the unique elements of your VA loan. Your chosen agent should not try to talk you out of using your VA benefit just because they believe a different loan type may be more convenient for them.
More Like This: A real estate agent or Realtor familiar with the VA loan appraisal process will identify homes that may have issues that need addressing before a VA loan will be approved. They can save you time, money and energy in the long run.
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Unlike other real estate platforms, AHRN specializes in connecting military members and Veterans with their ideal housing. From homes conveniently located near your next military installation to abodes perfectly suited for retired Veterans, we’re proud to serve the military community.