Questions to Ask An Agent Before Hiring Them

When you're preparing to sell your home, it's essential to do your homework before selecting a real estate agent. Many people assume that all agents are the same, but the reality and the data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) suggest otherwise.

Did you know that 80% of agents leave the industry between their 11th month and 5th year, and the average agent sells only 6-9 homes annually, according to NAR statistics? The following questions can help you avoid potential pitfalls and ensure you hire the right real estate agent for your needs.

1. What percentage of the last listing price did you achieve for your listings sold over the past 10 years?

   This is crucial because merely selling your home isn't enough—getting the highest possible price is what matters most to clients.

2. Can you explain the difference between active and passive marketing?

   Many agents rely on passive marketing techniques, such as listing on the MLS, hosting open houses, or simply posting the property online among thousands of other listings. They may not identify potential buyers or have a system in place to respond promptly to inquiries.

3. Do you have an Inside Sales Department (ISA)?

   This is important because studies show that up to 50% of potential buyers who respond to home advertisements receive no response at all. Today’s buyers expect immediate answers, and the ISA's role is to engage with them while they’re still interested in your property. Since we can't always know who the real buyer is, every inquiry is treated as if it could be the one.

4. How do you plan to utilize social media to market my home?

   While 99% of agents might say they will market your home on social media, few truly understand how to target the right buyer using ads and strategic approaches. With billions of users on social media daily, there's enormous potential, and I’d be glad to share more about why this is one of the most effective marketing tools I've seen in my 32 years of experience.

5. Who are the members of your team, and what are their roles?

   A team that's too large can feel impersonal, like dealing with a massive insurance or mortgage company where the connection to the process is lost, leading to potential issues. It's crucial to have a right-sized team where the ownership remains involved in the day-to-day transactions. The Tosello Team, for example, has had sellers return to us to sell as many as 10 homes!

6. How many homes has your company sold in my town, and how many buyers have you attracted here in the last 18 months?

7. How does your team handle inquiries?

   Many teams take hours or even days to respond to inquiries, but our team responds within seconds. We call, text, and email immediately. We also use advanced calling technologies that ring all our agents' phones simultaneously, significantly increasing the likelihood that someone will answer the call right away.

8. How do you generate leads online and identify potential buyers?

   Most agents give away too much information in listings. We believe in exchanging information with interested parties, which benefits you as the seller because it allows us to follow up with potential buyers.  

BONUS QUESTION

• How do you screen offers, buyers, and lenders to ensure we choose the best buyer and prevent the deal from falling apart?

  While the fallout rate for transactions can be as high as 30%, our clients rarely experience this. Our team uses a comprehensive screening process before presenting any offers to you. With over 30 years of experience in screening, presenting, negotiating, and closing deals, we've seen it all, which is why our fallout rate is well below average. Many of our clients return to us time and time again, knowing we have their best interests at heart and trust us to represent them effectively.

If you'll take the time to ask these questions, you will dramatically improve your chances for a successful move!