Questions to ask when choosing a Realtor®

Your Realtor® will be handling one of the largest purchases that you’ve made yet in your lifetime.
You want that person to take you seriously and diligently focus on representing your best interests.
While all Realtors® are required to be licensed and are continuously educated in their field, just like
any professional some work better with certain people. To find a good Realtor® for you, ask some
of these questions when talking to a Realtor® for the first time:

Why are you in this business?

  • To sell homes? That might mean that the agent is focused on the homes and selling.
  • To help people find homes? That means that people are the focus.
Will you help me get pre-approved or pre-qualified for a loan?
  • Look for a YES! Realtors® work with lenders in every sale. They should be able to recommend
    several loan companies and they should be educated in loan programs and grants. Real estate
    agents should help direct you to good information.
  • If a Realtor® says, “Get qualified and call me back?” That might be an indication that they are
    really busy and don’t want your business unless you do a lot of the work yourself.
Why should I choose you over any other agent?
  • Service, service, service. Yes, the paperwork will be handled, but you want some one who will
    explain the process, give you a checklist and timetable so that all requirements are met by deadlines.
    Someone who will stay in contact throughout the process to answer questions and direct you
    towards answers.
  • Value added:
1. Is your agent technologically up-to-date?
  • I have a computer program that sends you daily emails of new listings in your search criteria. You can also log onto my website and search for properties yourself.
  • I use a digital camera to provide you with almost-instant pictures of properties you’re considering.
  • My website can connect you with maps of neighborhoods you’re exploring.
  • When you choose a property, my team measures the rooms in the house and provides you with a decorator’s floor plan of your new home so you can start arranging your furniture before move-day.
  • While you’re in escrow, you you will receive daily emails and track your transaction's progress, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2. Does your agent respond to your needs?
  • I offer 1-day turn-around on Comparative Market Analysis
  • I can send you property flyers within minutes if you have email and within days by mail. I can also fax listings.
3. Are there any “special” services your agent offers?
  • I provide clients with a “notebook” that helps prepare them for buying and/or selling. It’s filled with information especially tailored to your needs.
  • During escrow, I provide clients with an accordion folder to keep escrow and home papers organized.
4. Will your agent help you with all aspects of moving?
In addition to showing homes and monitoring your escrow, I provide buyers and sellers with moving checklists and utility phone numbers. If you need painting, floor surfaces, or landscaping, I can provide referrals.

Finally, why do you want to work for me?

Only you can judge the answer to this question. After spending a little bit of time with a client, I can
usually surmise their goals and needs. If the agent has really listened to your questions, he or she
should be able to say something that will impress you personally.

Katie Cotter
Century 21 Sparow-Shoreline
www.cotterrealestate.com
cotterrealestate@msn.com
(562) 493-6555 x607