Real estate professionals earn their living matching homebuyers with sellers. They are licensed by the state where they live and have taken classes in subjects such as real estate law and finance.
Working with a real estate professional to find a house can save you time and sometimes can save you money. They know what homes are worth and can tell you if a seller is asking too much money for the house being sold.
Real estate professionals can help you find the best home to meet your needs. They can also help with parts of the mortgage process but their role is different than a mortgage lender’s role. Ask your family and friends for the names of real estate professionals with whom they’ve worked. Or, review newspaper ads for a listing of open houses. Stop by and talk with the real estate professional showing the house.
You’ll want to choose a professional that makes you feel comfortable and can provide knowledge and services you need. If you prefer to speak a language other than English, for example, be sure to find a real estate professional that also speaks your language.
Most real estate professionals are paid a commission by the seller of the house when the sale closes. The buyer does not pay the real estate professional unless they have contracted with the buyer’s agent. A buyer’s agent is a real estate professional who is paid for by the buyer and therefore, solely represents the interests of the buyer.
Questions To Ask a Real Estate Professional
- How long have you been in real estate?
- Are you a full time real estate professional?
- Are you familiar with the community in which I want to look?
- Do you speak languages other than English?
- How many homes have you sold in the last year?
- What is the average sale price of the homes you sold last year?
- Do you usually work with sellers or buyers?
- How many buyers are you presently working with? Are you acting as the exclusive buyer’s agent?
- How many sellers are you presently working with?
- What do you consider your strengths?
- Can you provide the names of three homebuyers as references?
