12 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Do you sell real estate full time or part time? How many homes have you sold this year? You don’t want an agent that only sells part time, a full time agent is more likely to be up to date on the market and will work everyday to get your home sold.
How many homes have you sold in my neighborhood? You want someone who knows the local market and is familiar with your neighborhood.
Has a complaint ever been filed against you? If you don’t feel like asking you can also check with the state real estate agent licensing board. For Arizona it’s www.re.state.az.us
What do you charge? Commissions vary agent to agent however they are typically 5%-7%.
What will you do for me? Most agents will handle negotiations, paperwork and contingencies. However you want to know what really sets them apart. What are you paying for?
How many short-sales and foreclosures have you sold? Distressed properties can be hard to work with. The paperwork is complicated, and there can be a lot of liability. You want to make sure your agent is experienced!
Will you be working alone? Some agents work as individuals and others work as a team. There are pros and cons to working with either.
How fast can you sell my home? Find out how long their past listings were on the market. The way your agent presents your property and advertises can make all the difference!
Are you educated? Most agents just take the required classes to be licensed. You want an agent that is well educated and a designation like a GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute)
What sets you apart from other agents? Find someone that has a well executed marketing plan and looks professional. Most agents will just stick a sign in the front yard and put the property in the MLS.
What if I’m unhappy with your service? Make sure they will allow you to cancel the listing agreement if they don’t deliver what was promised.
Where can I find reviews from your past clients? A reputable agent will have plenty of reviews on the web that they can point you to.