What questions should I ask when interviewing a realtor?

“I have to sell our house and buy another one. What questions should I ask when interviewing a realtor?”

The purchase or sale of a new residence is stressful under the best circumstances. When separating or divorcing, it’s even more so. Your home is also your most important asset, so you want to place yourself and your residence in the hands of an individual that has a proven track record with clients of being patient, understanding, knowledgeable, a good listener. You’ll want someone who works with the highest standard of professionalism and integrity. Here are some questions to ask a prospective realtor:

• Have you worked in other professions? If so, which ones? (If they spent many years as a used car salesperson, would you still want to hire them?)
• How many years have you been selling? How many transactions do you do on a monthly/annual basis?
• Ask for references. (Are you able to call this individual’s references? If not, then walk away.)
• Is this individual accessible to you or will you see them only for contract signing?
• Is this individual agreeable to your communication requirements? (e.g., do you want a daily or weekly update?) 
• What marketing activities will be implemented to sell your home? In what time period?
• Is this individual knowledgeable about the area where you want to live? (Do they know about the local schools, community centres, places of worship, shopping, and transportation accessibility?)
• Are they really listening to your needs and focusing on what is important to you?
• Are they willing to locate a home that meets your requirements within your time restrictions?
• Do you have a comfort level with this individual? You will need to work closely with this person for a period of time, often lengthy.
• Remember, you’ve already had to deal with an unsuccessful relationship. The relationship with your real estate agent should be a comfortable, cordial, and professional one. There should never be any reluctance or hesitation to pick up the phone to contact him/her. Their job is to remove the stress of relocating from your life.

Karen Gurland is a Toronto real-estate professional with RE/MAX Ultimate Realty.