Interviewing a REALTOR®
To help you choose the right agent for your needs, here are some important questions to ask during your interview:
- Where do you think the buyer for my home will be coming from? Will it be a move-up buyer (looking for an upgrade) or a first-time homebuyer (renters)?
- What do you personally do as an agent that sets you apart from others in your area? Please don’t just quote company statistics—show me what you personally do to promote your listings.
- What can I do to improve the marketability of my home?
- What do you see as the biggest drawback to my home? (Please be candid with me about potential buyer objections so I know what to expect.)
- Do you think offering a buyer incentive would help sell my home? If so, what incentive would you recommend?
- How will you market to this specific type of buyer? What proactive steps will you take to reach this targeted group beyond the basic marketing strategies? (See the "5 P’s" listed below.)
Most agents will do the basic "5 P’s" for a listing, which include:
- Putting a For Sale sign in your yard.
- Listing your home in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
- Advertising your home in print and online.
- Featuring your home on a Broker Caravan Tour.
- Holding a Public Open House.
However, to maximize the exposure of your property, it’s beneficial to choose an agent who goes above and beyond the basics. Look for an agent who offers additional proactive marketing strategies, such as:
- Installing a brochure/info box on the yard sign.
- Using QR codes on sign riders and advertising materials.
- Advertising listings on Facebook and other social media platforms.
- Creating color-highlight brochures for showings.
- Offering internet marketing capabilities and cable TV advertising.
- Running a direct mail campaign targeting potential buyers.
- Providing personalized advertising beyond the company’s standard efforts.
- Using interior highlight cards to showcase your home’s best features.
- Installing an “800” information line on the yard sign for easy access to property details.
- Offering a personal brochure or professional resume to introduce yourself and your home to buyers.
- Organizing a Broker Caravan Tour with lunch or a raffle to attract additional agents to view the home.
Choosing an agent who incorporates these proactive strategies can significantly increase your home’s exposure and help you achieve a quicker sale.
