Buying & Selling May 1, 2023

What You Should Ask When Interviewing a Potential Agent

It can be a little bit daunting to start your real estate journey. You’re dealing with the most valuable asset most people have — your home!

Whether you’re buying for the first time, selling a home you’ve had for years, or searching for an investment property, it’s important to find a real estate agent who fits your needs.  

So, how do you start? Well, this is a business transaction, a professional relationship. And usually, those arrangements start with an interview. But don’t get intimidated by that! Chances are you’re going to be working very closely with your realtor, so the vetting process can be very conversational. It’s your chance to ask the tough questions and get a feel for your rapport. We want you to feel comfortable with the person representing you as you maneuver this journey. 

Do you work with buyers and sellers? Do you work with real estate investors? Are you involved in commercial real estate?  

This seems like a no-brainer, but some agents are focused on one aspect of real estate. You can rest assured that our team is well-versed in all facets of real estate. Kenney & Company offers a comprehensive menu of real estate services! So, that means that our agents have direct access to expertise on almost anything you can think of in real estate! 

Do you work as a full-time agent? 

Asking if someone is working full-time or part-time in real estate is simply to determine what their availability is, not their commitment to serving you. Some agents work in an additional profession, some agents are primarily parents and caregivers. You’ll know that if someone is working full-time as an agent they’re available to answer your questions and address your needs during regular working hours. This question is simply to gauge your expectations for their availability. 

Will I be working with you one-on-one or with a team? 

Introductions to everyone involved in the process are important, right? Some of our agents do work on a team. Some have assistants. The more the merrier! But you’ll want to know before you start working together who’s making the magic happen on your behalf. 

Have you worked with buyers to find homes in these price ranges or this area? Have you sold homes at the price point I’m looking to sell? Have you sold homes in this area? 

Different price ranges require different tactics. It goes without saying that homes in the $300,000 range are a hot commodity right now, and they draw a lot of interest. So, if you’re looking to buy in that range, you need to have faith that your agent has the know-how to draft a competitive offer on your behalf. As a seller in that price range, you want confidence that your agent knows how to leverage your property into the biggest financial return for you. Relatedly, having an agent who is familiar with the nuances of buying and selling luxury properties will give you an advantage.  

At Kenney & Company, each agent has the backing of hundreds of years of collective experience. You name it, we have someone who specializes in it!  

Can you recommend (fill in the blank)? 

Home buying and homeownership come with a litany of issues and responsibilities. Leading up to buying or selling a home, our agents can make recommendations for mortgage lenders, appraisers, inspectors, movers, and more! When you need a recommendation for other vendors like contractors, landscapers, plumbers, electricians, flooring, cleaners, or anything else — reach out to your agent for a 5-star preferred retailer.   

We welcome your questions about choosing a realtor! Our team will work with integrity and serve you with professionalism and respect. Feel free to reach out to us or to any agent with questions. We’re eager to help you buy, sell, rent or invest!