Interview Questions when Evaluating a Buyer’s Agent
I had a new client reach out recently who found my information on Reddit, in the r/askportland subreddit. What a huge honor! I do have clients reach out via Instagram, and I am very lucky to say that most of my clients are referrals from past clients, or people I already know in some capacity. But in this case the new client didn’t have much context for who I was, and they were weighing a few options. Because of that they interviewed me. A for real interview.
Let me help us all out. I’ll interview myself with questions pulled from r/RealEstate. Topic: ‘interview questions when evaluating a buyer’s agent.’ Like a pre-screening for whether you want to work with me. Or a template for interviewing other realtors.
A few good questions to vet who's going to be transparent and 100% on your side:
How do you get paid?
Great question. Let’s get straight into it. I get paid a percentage of the price of the home you purchase, if you are to purchase a home. If you decide we aren’t a great fit, or it’s not the right time for you to purchase a home, there is no fee. We will have a contract that outlines my fee, and I will use that contract when you write an offer to negotiate with the seller to pay my fee. Most of the sales prices you see published online include a buyer’s agent fee, but not always, and it’s all negotiable. If the seller pushes back or refuses to pay a buyer’s agent commission we will have a follow up conversation about whether the house is still within your budget with my fee additional, or not. I’ve always found a positive outcome that works for all parties.
Talk about how best to communicate - do you prefer text? email? phone calls?
I use all three. I prefer email for longer conversations that you want to keep as a reference. I prefer call when there is complexity or when we are talking out big decisions, and I prefer text when we need to act quickly, like scheduling a house tour.
Ask about experience. How many houses they've sold themselves - not as part of a team or brokerage, but personally sold properties.
I’ve never been on a team, but that’s a good point of clarification. I’ve been a realtor in Portland for 6 years. I’ve helped around 80 buyers and sellers.
Ask how they approach making offers.
I’ve spent the last 6 years honing my techniques. I understand how important that decision is, and I do everything I can to make a positive outcome for my clients. Portland can be a very competitive market, and my clients are often in multiple offer situations. I have a very high success rate getting offers accepted in a competitive environment. Above all the tips and tricks for making a competitive offer, I try to get as much information as possible to you so you can make a decision on how competitive you want to be. I also try to share my input on the value of the home, as well as what you need to do to get an accepted offer. Those aren’t always the same thing, and I want my clients to get to make that informed decisions. I have also spent the last 6 years building community with my fellow agents, because I want them to know that being in transaction with me is going to be a positive, professional experience.
Ask about their negotiation style.
I work for my client, and I’m comfortable presenting to the other agent my client’s needs. This usually comes up during inspections if condition issues reveal themselves. First of all, almost all of my clients choose to inspect their homes after an accepted offer, and I help facilitate that and get bids for anything needed. We then take that information and make a plan for what you need to feel comfortable moving forward. This might be nothing, or $60,000 of repairs, depending on the house. Usually we find a reasonable compromise that works for all parties, and I’ve had as much as 10% of the purchase price covered by sellers after inspection periods.
Ask for a process overview
This might be a little long for a pretend interview, so let me link you to the Urban Nest Buyers Guide. If we were meeting in person I would walk you through this step by, but I think it’s a helpful overview!
What’s different about you vs the average agent?
These questions all want me to brag about myself. My stunning good looks? That I’m a synchronized swimmer? Just kidding. I think multiple factors. I put in a lot of effort and love into every client. I get really competitive and motivated when you say you want to buy a home. I’m calling the other agent, I’m getting you the info, I’m working hard to get your offer accepted. I think I am very discerning, and I share what I notice on house tours. In 6 years none of my clients have sold their homes, and I love that. I want you to love your home, so there’s no rush, and when we find it I’m going to do everything I can to make it yours.
What’s your reputation among other agents like?
It’s not the most important but everyone thinks I’m good at instagram. I hope to think I’m known as being a great communicator, professional, warm, personable. Whatever it is it’s working because I’m getting the offers accepted.
You should like your agent, you’re going to spend a lot of time with them.
I agree. It’s a big stressful decision, but I try to take the pressure off your shoulders. Dare I say I even make it fun?
Ask about affiliations, who they recommend for secondary services and why they recommend them.
Urban Nest doesn’t work with Zillow or Redfin. Is that what this is asking? I’m not even sure. I don’t give a cut of my commission to anyone, and there’s nobody I’ll push you into working with and then get a payout.
Maybe more clients will find me this way? That would be cool. Or maybe one day my little google profile will show up at the top of your search. Perhaps you are reading this article without also subscribing to my newsletter? Unlikely, but possible!
Those were all the questions asked on Reddit, but maybe you still want to know more? You can reach out any time via my contact page. I’ll also put a link below so you can reach out. However I can help, don’t hesitate to reach out.