What Should I Ask a Realtor Before Hiring? Advice From Wichita Realtor Bobbie Lane
Choosing the right Realtor can make a huge difference when buying or selling a home. Real estate transactions involve many moving parts, negotiations, and important decisions, so the agent you choose matters.
I’m Bobbie Lane with Bobbie Lane Real Estate Group in Wichita, Kansas. Since starting my real estate career in 2016 I have helped clients complete more than 700 real estate transactions totaling over 152 million dollars in sales.
Many buyers and sellers looking for a Wichita Realtor ask these same questions when deciding who to hire.
Over the years I have learned that the clients who have the best experience usually ask a few important questions before deciding which Realtor to hire.
Here are the questions I recommend asking when you are interviewing agents.
What Is Your Marketing Plan?
If you are selling a home this is one of the most important questions you can ask.
Every agent will put your home on the MLS, but that alone is not enough. What really matters is how the property is marketed beyond that.
At Bobbie Lane Real Estate Group we focus heavily on modern marketing strategies that attract attention and generate interest. This includes eye catching listing graphics, professional video, social media promotion, and targeted mailers.
The goal is simple. We want as many qualified buyers as possible to see the home. When more buyers are interested it often leads to stronger offers and better results for the seller.
What Does the Process Look Like From Start to Finish?
A good Realtor should be able to clearly explain what the entire process will look like before you even start.
For sellers this includes pricing the home correctly, preparing the home for the market, marketing the property, reviewing offers, negotiating the contract, navigating inspections and appraisal, and closing the transaction.
For buyers the process includes finding the right home, writing a strong offer, negotiating terms, handling inspections, and getting all the way to closing.
When clients understand the process ahead of time it helps eliminate surprises and makes the entire experience much smoother.
How Strong Are Your Negotiation Skills?
Negotiation is one of the biggest ways a Realtor can create value for their clients.
Over the years I have built a reputation as a strong negotiator and that often makes a big difference during a transaction.
Recently we had several homeowners contact us after their property failed to sell with a previous agent. After reviewing their situation we adjusted the pricing strategy, improved the marketing plan, and relaunched the listing. In those cases we were able to successfully get the homes sold.
Sometimes small adjustments in pricing, marketing, and negotiation can completely change the outcome of a listing.
What Is Your Track Record?
One mistake I see people make is hiring an agent without looking at their results.
Experience matters in real estate. An agent who has handled hundreds of transactions has likely seen just about every situation that can happen during a deal.
When interviewing Realtors it is perfectly reasonable to ask questions about their experience and results.
Ask how long they have been in the business. Ask how many homes they have sold. Ask about their recent sales.
A proven track record gives you confidence that your Realtor knows how to handle challenges when they come up.
Do I Actually Feel Comfortable Working With This Agent?
This may sound simple but it is extremely important.
When interviewing Realtors choose someone you connect with and feel comfortable communicating with. Buying or selling a home can be stressful and you want an agent you trust and can speak openly with.
The relationship between a client and their Realtor works best when there is strong communication and trust.
The Advantage of a Team Approach
Another thing that makes a difference for our clients is our team structure.
At Bobbie Lane Real Estate Group we operate with a team approach. Instead of one agent handling every step of the transaction we have team members who specialize in different parts of the process.
This allows us to provide better communication, stronger marketing, and faster access to homes when they become available.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a Realtor is an important decision and taking the time to ask the right questions can make a big difference in your experience.
Look for an agent who has a strong marketing plan, clear communication about the process, strong negotiation skills, a track record of results, and someone you feel comfortable working with.
Since starting my career in 2016 I have been fortunate to help clients complete more than 700 real estate transactions totaling over 152 million dollars in sales throughout Wichita and the surrounding communities.
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in Wichita asking these questions will help you find the Realtor who is the best fit for you.
Thinking About Buying or Selling a Home in Wichita?
If you are planning to buy or sell a home in Wichita or the surrounding communities and want to talk through your options feel free to reach out.
Sometimes a quick conversation about the market, pricing strategy, or the buying process can make things much clearer before making any big decisions.
You can learn more about our team or start your home search at
www.bobbielane.com
Or contact Bobbie Lane Real Estate Group directly to discuss your situation and goals.
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