Quick Guide to Interviewing Listing Agents

By Raymond Stoklosa · March 18th, 2010

Not All Listing Agents are Created Equal

Most home owners are looking for a professional real estate agent who will help them get the highest price, the fastest sale with the least hassle in the sale of their San Mateo home. The most important decision facing home sellers is who to choose to represent them in marketing their home. The success or failure of the marketing process is greatly affected by listing agent’s expertise, market knowledge and ability to provide practical, professional advice. Selecting a listing agent to represent you can best be accomplished by asking a series of questions and comparing the answers from a number of agents. Here are some questions to consider:

Questions to Ask a San Mateo Realtor Before Listing

Are you a full time professional Realtor?
How long have you been full time in the business?
What professional designations do you hold?
Are you willing to educate me about the process?
Do you have a personal assistant, team or staff to handle the various aspects of the sale?
Do you have a website or a blog site with useful information?
How do I best communicate with you?
How will you stay in contact with me and will you provide regular status reports?
What is your marketing plan?
Who is our target audience for this home?
What tools and systems will you use to reach them effectively?
Will you spell out my responsibilities and your responsibilities with clarity?
What is your position on disclosures, inspections, contingencies and presentation strategies?
How are your fees structured?
Do you have a performance guarantee?
If I’m not satisfied with your performance, can I terminate our relationship?
What distinguishes you from other agents?
What is your negotiating style and how does it differ from others?
What geographic area do you specialize in?
Do you have the time available to give me the attention I deserve?
Why should I choose to work with you?

Real Estate is a Personal Service Business

Real estate is a personal service business. It’s the quality of service delivered by the individual agent and not the company name that largely determines your level of satisfaction with the sale of your home. When results matter, choose your agent wisely to have the best real estate experience possible.

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Raymond Stoklosa, Chela Stoklosa and Rebecca Williamson are Realtors with The RayChel Realty Group specializing in Santa Clara and San Mateo Real Estate.

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