Agent Interview Tip List

Does the agent:

• Have an active real estate license in good standing?  Check with the governing agency in your state if you’re not sure.
• Have years of experience in the business?  If not, does the agent work under the close supervision of an experienced broker who will assist you if necessary?
• Have a good reputation for trustworthiness?  Ask for names of buyers who’ve used the agent recently and talk to them.
• Know the areas you’re interested in and regularly sell homes there?
• Have time to work with you?
• Have a professional demeanor?  This person will represent you to sellers, other agents, lenders, etc.
• Discuss agency relationships with you?  Can the agent work with you in an agency relationship that you find acceptable?
• Have a personality you can relate to?
• Interview you regarding your housing needs and wants?
• Listen attentively?
• Return phone calls promptly?
• Answer real estate questions in a manner that you understand?
• Provide you with a list of properties he or she is showing you?
• Show you homes that suit your needs?
• Have some knowledge of home construction?
• Belong to the multiple-listing service and/or home shopping services for the area you want to look in?
• Qualify you for a loan, or introduce you to a lender or mortgage broker who can?
• Complete a closing cost estimate for you?
• Provide you with recommendations of lenders, mortgage brokers, inspectors, insurance agents, title agents, real estate attorneys, movers, etc.?
• Have any schedule conflicts that will interfere with your home hunt?  If so, interview the agent who’ll fill in.