Hello! Thank you for visiting my website. I hope you find it to be informative and easy to use. Since you've found yourself at my site, I thought it would be helpful to give you some things to think about as you consider me as your real estate consultant.

How Interview A Real Estate Broker (Me)

Smart consumers (you) interview potential real estate consultants before deciding on whom to hire. Just as you are sizing up the potential for a good fit, rest assured that I will be interviewing you, too. Be wary of any agent who doesn't ask you questions and probe for your motivation to buy or sell. You wouldn't work with just any agent off the street, and good consultants are just as selective about their clients, too.

Here are some questions to ask of me:

1. How Long Have You Been in the Business?

The standard joke is there's nothing wrong with a new agent that a little experience won't fix. I have the experience - I've been working in real estate for 15 years.

2. What is Your Average List-Price-to-Sales-Price Ratio?

Knowing the agent's average ratio speaks volumes. A good buyer's consultant should be able to negotiate a sales price that is lower than list price for buyers. A competent listing consultant should hold a track record for negotiating sales prices that are very close to list prices.

3. What is Your Best Marketing Plan or Strategy for My Needs?

As a buyer, you will need to know:
How will you search for my new home?
How many homes will I likely see before I find a home I want to buy?
Will I be competing against other buyers?
How do you handle multiple offers?
Do you present offers yourself?

As a seller, you will need to know:
Specifically, how will you sell my home?
What is your direct mail campaign?
Where and how often do you advertise?
Will you show me a sample flyer?
How do you market online?

I have the answers to all of these questions and am happy to discuss them all in detail.

4. Will You Please Provide References?

Absolutely. I will provide as many references as you require.

5. What Are the Top Three Things That Separate You From Your Competition?

I have many answers to this question. Here are a few:

Honest and trustworthy
Assertive
Excellent negotiator
Available by phone or e-mail at any time
Good communicator
Friendly
Analytical
Able to maintain a good sense of humor under trying circumstances

6. May I Review Documents Beforehand That I Will Be Asked to Sign?

Of course. As a buyer, you'll see copies of the following:
Buyer's Broker Agreement (is it exclusive or non-exclusive?)
Agency Disclosures
Purchase Agreement
Buyer Disclosures

As a seller, you'll see:
Agency Disclosure
Listing Agreement
Seller Disclosures

7. How Will You Help Me Find Other Professionals?

I will supply you with a written list of referring vendors such as mortgage brokers, home inspectors and title companies that I have used in the past and trust with my clients.

8. How Much Do You Charge?

All real estate fees are negotiable on the seller's side. If you're on the buyer's side - there is no fee!

9. What Haven't I Asked You That I Need to Know?

I will take the time with you -- to make sure you feel comfortable and secure with my knowledge and experience. I know how to listen and how to counsel you, how to ask the right questions to find out what I need to know to better serve you.

Please contact me any time (day or night) to discuss your needs. I'm just a phone/e-mail/Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn/Starbuck's away!