Studies show that 75% of home sellers contact only one real estate agent for all their dealings over the years. Once people find a real estate agent they trust and are comfortable with, they may not go through the effort of finding another person to deal with their property and finances. Your real estate agent will also be your business partner and advisor. It would help if you felt comfortable opening up to them and confiding in them.
More often than not, people find it easier to work with realtors from their community. If you intend to work with black realtors, here are some questions you may want to ask them. Though the average listing time for US homes is 45-65 days, you may end up spending at least two months with your realtor, whether you are an aspiring homeowner or seller.
What Is Their Average Listing Time in the Market?
Some realtors are more efficient than others. A good realtor will have a short “listing interval.” If a realtor can’t explain the reason for long listing intervals, it may be a good idea to move on to a different realtor. You could compare listing times and choose the realtor with the shortest one.
Has the Realtor Sold Other Homes in the Neighborhood?
Different communities and neighborhoods have different requirements. Some black buyers may prefer buying homes in neighborhoods where there are other black families and communities.
If your agent has experience selling similar homes in your neighborhood, they could potentially sell your house as well. Further, agents who know the neighborhood well enough may have the ability to convince buyers to put in an offer sooner. The agents will be well-versed in explaining the perks of living in the neighborhood, pointing out the most attractive features.
It will also be a good idea to ask if the agent has sold a home in the same price range. The price of a house can influence the buying decision of prospective buyers drastically. If your agent has limited experience selling houses of your price range, you may want to deal with a different agent who has the required experience.
How Does the Agency Plan to Market and Promote Your Home?
Your house may still hold sentimental value to you even if you plan on selling it. You may want to discuss with your agent how they plan to market your house. You may fill the agent in on unique quirks and features of the house that they missed.
Who Will Be Your Primary Point of Contact?
If you are working with a large real estate firm, you may not be communicating directly with the head realtor. You need to understand which team member you will be involved with and how often they will communicate with you. You could even schedule weekly appointments for a specific day of the week. Poor communication can be a cause for frustration. It would be unpleasant to work with a realtor who takes a week to respond to a simple message.
What Qualifications, Licenses, or Certifications Does the Realtor Hold?
You will trust the realtor with your house and finances. So, ensure the realtor you are dealing with is qualified to sell homes.
A considerable amount of funds are involved in real estate dealings. Giving away your home details and financial details to a realtor without verifying their license. could cause heavy losses It will help if the realtor has additional tax and zoning law certifications, residential law certifications, and other relevant certifications. The certifications mean that the realtor can carry out the sale in the most tax-efficient way.
What Is the Fee Charged by the Realtor?
This point is vital if you are a seller. The basic commission for a real estate sale in the US is usually 6% of the final sale price. This commission may be divided between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent.
The rate charged by black realtors could vary based on location, neighborhood, and circumstances. It may not be a good idea to choose a less efficient realtor for lower fees. The net money you gain from selling your house is more important than the number of fees charged.
Ask the Necessary Questions to Find a Good Agent
You may also want to pay attention to the contract you enter into with your realtor. Get an in-depth understanding of the terms and conditions. The first step to finding a good agent is basic research. You could also enquire with friends and family members. Most realtors host a private website where they disclose details like names, their experience profile, their areas of expertise, and their fees. You could browse through these to get a better idea.
