Are you wondering what to look for when hiring a Realtor in Utah? Do you know the most important questions to ask a real estate agent before you hire them to represent you in what is likely the largest purchase or sell in your life?
Here are my top 10 things to ask a Realtor before you hire them!
- Do they work real estate full-time? This is a big one and here’s what I want you to know. For a few years I only worked real estate part-time so I know what I’m talking about here. I told myself, and others, there were benefits to using me over full-time agents because it meant I had more time to devote just to them, there isn’t a difference because we are both licensed with the State of Utah and have the same continuing education requirements, and on and on. Here’s the truth – THERE IS A DIFFERENCE! Just like any profession there are those that do the minimum to get by and those that go above and beyond. However, in Utah we have a lot of changes in the real estate industry. Between additions, subtractions, verbiage changes to the Utah real estate purchase contract there are a lot of things to know that can end up costing you big time (whether you’re a buyer or seller). Being full-time and being in the real estate office frequently you hear about these changes, live situations happening with other agents and clients, etc. Real estate is a big investment and you should have someone representing you that does real estate full-time and treats this like their career, not something “on the side” or “for fun” or “just to make a little extra”.
- Do they have any designations or real estate credentials? To me, this shows the difference between doing the minimum to get by and trying to be great at your career. Yes, to be a licensed Realtor in Utah we all take continuing education every two years to keep our license active but that doesn’t necessarily equate to applicable real estate expertise.
- What services do they offer? As a frugal person myself, I understand the need to save money. But, there are some things that you shouldn’t cut corners on when it’s time to sell or buy a house in Utah. So ask questions like, will a professional photographer be doing photos of my home? Yeah, I know the iPhone 11 is supposed to take great photos but your house should still have professional photos. Will there be any drone photos or 3D tours?
- What is their plan to sell your house? Are they going to list the house on the MLS and call it good? Are they familiar with digital marketing and how it works? Will they be spending advertising money out of their pocket to have your house seen by the masses or are they just relying on the MLS? Want more information about selling then check out my article Things to Know before Selling Your Home.
- What hours are they going to be available for you? It’s a sad truth, but I can’t tell you how many times I can’t reach an agent because it’s after 5pm or on a weekend. Let me tell you, A LOT of real estate happens outside of “office hours”, especially if you’re in a multiple offer situation! The last thing you want is to miss out on seeing a house because you can’t reach your agent at 6pm on Wednesday night or Saturday morning. Real estate often happens when people are off work. I definitely understand the need to take a vacation or have dinner hours at home but that is more of an exception in my business than a norm.
- Do you need to do all the work yourself? If you’re selling a home in Utah, will the listing agent schedule the showings for you, hire the photographer, be there to show your house if a buyer doesn’t have an agent, and arrange the inspections and appraisals? If you’re buying, are you going to have to find the houses online yourself and then only talk to the agent when it’s time to let you in or make an offer?
- How long have they been a real estate agent in Utah? Now this may not be a popular belief, but the longer you’ve been in real estate doesn’t mean it’s better in my opinion. I recently read (can’t remember where it was now) that technology has changed more in 5 years than it had for the 50 years prior to that! What worked in the real estate community 20 years ago for finding and selling a house, isn’t how it is done now. The National Association of Realtors 2018 Buyer and Seller Guide shows that in 2001 8% of buyers found the home they purchased on the internet. By 2018, 50% of buyers found the home they purchased on the internet. So the bottom line for me, if I was looking for an agent to represent me I’d look for someone that has experience but also is comfortable with the latest trends. Experience with various real estate transactions is important so you’ll have to figure out the balance you’re comfortable with.
- Are they familiar with your market? Here’s what I mean by that, if you’re in the military or a veteran and want to use your VA benefits make sure they’re experienced with this area. If you’re a first time home buyer in Utah, are they familiar with Utah Housing loans and other incentives that might be available for you? Do they work in your area of interest often? Once you have your Utah real estate license, you can technically practice real estate anywhere in Utah but I don’t believe that’s in my clients best interest. Each area is different enough that your agent needs to be familiar with it. For instance, I’ve lived in Draper since I moved to Utah in 2002 so I am very familiar with the area, the homes for sale in Draper, Draper neighborhoods, Draper plans, and Draper living. Of course, I work outside of Draper but if someone contacts me from St. George I wouldn’t know anything about it. In my personal opinion, I’d be doing that person a dis-service representing them in an area I know nothing about and just drive through a couple times a year.
- Do they seem to care about me and my needs? Or do they seem more concerned with their paycheck? Do you get the feeling that they have YOUR best interest at heart, not theirs? If you’re interviewing about selling your house in Utah, did they notice anything when they came to your house that should be addressed before listing? And are they willing to have that conversation with you to help insure you sell your Utah house for the most money possible? Yes, it’s an uncomfortable conversation sometimes but it needs to be done to help you sell your house for the most amount of money in the shortest time. If you’re buying, are they staying in your price range that is a comfortable payment for you instead of your prequalified amount? Are they offering you tips about buying a home in Utah?
- Are you comfortable with them? The real estate agent you hire is going to be your business partner. And you want to like and trust the person you’re working with. So make sure you trust them, that you like them and you feel like they will truly work for you and your best interest.
Have questions about the real estate transaction in Utah? Considering buying or selling in Utah? Give me a call today and let’s talk!