Homeowners should interview a few potential REALTORS® before deciding on one to sell their home. Here are some smart questions to ask:
1. **Does your brokerage allow other brokers to advertise and market my property?**
**Answer**: Yes, our brokerage not only participates in MLS (Multiple Listing Service) our brokerage policy is to allow any other brokers who want to invest time or money to advertise your home to do so. This means other brokers can not only send your property to their clients, but they can use your property listing to find new buyers too. This maximizes your home's exposure, increasing the chances of a sale. Most sellers are unaware it is at the discretion of the listing brokerage policy to allow other brokers to advertise your property or not. Unfortunately, the brokerages are not required to disclose this policy to you as a prospective seller although I believe this should be disclosed in the listing agreement. Many of the largest and most notable brokerages policy is (ANY BROKER ADVERTISE: NO)! My brokerage policy is (ANY BROKER ADVERTISE: YES)
MY PERSONAL BELIEF IS THIS SHOULD NOT BE A DECISION, IT SHOULD BE AN OBLIGATION FOR BROKERS TO ALLOW OTHER BROKERS TO ADVERTISE AND MARKET YOUR PROPERTY!!!
2. **How long have you been in the business (professional experience)?**
**Answer**: I have been a licensed real estate broker for over 30 years. I’ve gained extensive experience in various market conditions and developed a strong network of industry professionals and affiliated businesses and services to create a strong team of like-minded professionals dedicated to getting your transaction completed.
3. **How will you help me prepare my home to market?**
**Answer**: I offer personalized advice on evaluating the condition of your property, preparing the property, staging, decluttering, and minor repairs that can increase your home’s appeal. I hire professional photographers and create virtual tours to showcase the property online.
4. **Are you a full-time agent?**
**Answer**: Yes, I’m a full-time agent, which means I can dedicate my full attention to preparing your property, digitally packaging your property, allowing other brokers access with permission to advertise and sell your property, meeting your needs, and ideally exceeding your expectations when possible.
5. **What is your marketing strategy?**
**Answer**: My strategy includes a comprehensive property condition evaluation I created from the minimum property requirements for a VA mortgage, preparation for photography, professional photography, online listings, open houses, email marketing to my database, social media promotion, and syndicating your property across popular real estate websites for maximum exposure.
6. **How will you vet the buyer?**
**Answer**: I pre-qualify all potential buyers personally or by working closely with their lenders if they are not working with me directly to ensure they have the financial ability to close the deal. I also ask for proof of funds and a mortgage approval letter.
7. **How much do you know about the mortgage process?**
**Answer**: I’m very familiar with the mortgage process. I am a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS: 2028660. I can qualify and guide buyers and sellers through the financing process steps, ensuring the deal goes smoothly.
8. **What are your top three skills?**
**Answer**: My top three skills are negotiation, market analysis, and communication. I pride myself on getting the best price for my clients, providing accurate market insights, and keeping everyone informed throughout the transaction.
9. **What makes you and your brokerage unique?**
**Answer**: Our brokerage has a strong local presence and a robust marketing platform. Additionally, we offer personalized service, advanced technology tools, and a network of professionals (inspectors, lawyers, lenders) that help streamline the process for our clients.
10. **What's your schedule and availability?**
**Answer**: I’m available full-time and flexible to meet your needs, whether for showings, discussions, or negotiations. I make it a point to be reachable and responsive to any inquiries or concerns you may have.
These questions and answers will help you assess my expertise, dedication, and fit for your real estate needs.