Buying a home or property is a major investment for you and your family. After all, you will be spending most of your time in your new home. Doesn’t it make sense to research your protentional real estate agent to make sure they can meet your needs? Here at Lisa Cogdill Realty, we want you to feel comfortable with us and the process. So, to get you started we are going to share 5 questions to ask your real estate agent to ensure you have found a good one.
Who has been your most challenging client, and how did you handle it?
This question may sound like one that you might receive in a job interview. And you would be correct!
When choosing a real estate agent, you must consider that you have stepped into the role of a hiring manager. Why? Because you are hiring someone to either assist you in selling your property or acquiring a new one. Always keep in mind that your agent needs to keep your needs at the forefront, and they are working for you.
By asking your agent what your most challenging client was, you get a glimpse into how they handle conflicts and tensions.
It is inevitable that at times there will be conflict arise. Buying or selling a home can be stressful and time-consuming.
If the agent is willing to bash a former client, it may lead you to wonder what they may say about your when you are not around.
Lisa Cogdill Realty handles all of our clients with the utmost respect and professionalism. We are more than happy to discuss with you how we resolve issues while educating you on the buying process.
If you were looking to buy a place, where would you move and why?
Asking this question allows your agent to clue you in on what neighborhoods are being “buzzed” about.
It will also give you a glimpse into what your agent’s lifestyle is like. Having an agent who has a similar background can provide additional benefits. For example, Lisa Cogdill has an insider’s viewpoint of Western North Carolina having been born and grown up here.
Because of this, she is uniquely able to help both local families find appropriate housing as well as those looking to relocate.
What are some ways you can make my offer more attractive besides just increasing the price?
This gives your agent an opportunity to explain to you how they negotiate and their market knowledge.
A good real estate agent should be able to quickly inform their buyers on insider information such as the sellers are looking for a quick closing because they are relocating. Another example could be that they do not want to move until the end of the school year due to children in the household.
All of this is vital information that your agent should be able to use and share in the buying process to ensure everyone’s needs are met and not just their own.
How can you help me narrow down my choices and fit house hunting into my busy schedule?
This question gives your agent the platform to show how much legwork they are going to do for you.
Visiting homes and properties can be a very exhausting process especially in Western North Carolina due to the distance’s homes can be placed. Not to mention the winding mountain roads!
Lisa will spend ample time getting to know you and your unique needs to ensure that your time is not wasted. She will work tirelessly to pull listings that will suit what you are looking for and schedule viewings on your schedule.
How do you help buyers come to a final decision?
And finally, perhaps the most important question of all! It is easy to get distracted as you are looking at different homes and locations by fixtures, views, a great backyard, etc. It is imperative to have someone who is unbiased on your side to help you make your decision.
A truly professional real estate agent will have sufficient knowledge of the market and area in which you are buying to discuss the pros and cons of properties. However, even this can only take you so far. Your agent should be able to be your sounding board and help you see what you really need. After all, it will be you living in your new home!
Here at Lisa Cogdill Realty, we take the time to get to know you so we can better meet your needs. Lisa is always continuing her education in the market and has in-depth knowledge of the area. She will be happy to assist you in any way she can and answer these questions and more! Contact her today here to begin the process of finding your dream home!