IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK A REALTOR BEFORE YOU SIGN A LISTING AGREEMENT TO SELL YOUR HOME

• How long have you been licensed in Texas, and how long have you been selling real estate?
• Are you a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Texas Association of Realtors, and the San Antonio Board of Realtors?
• Are you a full-time REALTOR?
• May I see your resume or personal brochure?
• What is the percentage of Buyers compared to Sellers that you serve?
• Can we cancel the listing with you if we are not happy?
• Do you recommend that we hire an attorney for a real estate transaction?
• Are you fully automated with your own personal computer/laptop, fax/copier, mobile phone, etc.?
• Do you have a personal web site?
• What professional designations do you have?
• Will you always be available to answer my questions?
• How much time and money do you invest in professional training and market updates?
• What experience and training do you have in negotiations?
• Are you personally motivated to sell my home?
• Will you directly market the property on the internet?
• Do you follow up on all showings of my property and report the comments to me?
• What part of your business is from referrals or past clients?
• How many homes do you sell annually?
• Will you personally be there when contracts are presented and handle all the negotiations?
• Do you have a personal assistant? If so, why?  If not, why?
• Why should I choose your services over those of any other REALTOR?

If you plan to interview several REALTORS, I highly recommend that you choose someone whom you feel you can trust, as well as a person who has the knowledge and experience to carefully and expertly serve your needs.

In the real estate business, a REALTOR with many successfully closed transactions and experience with a multitude of different kinds of transactions usually costs the same as an inexperienced agent.  Bringing that experience to your transaction could mean a higher price at the negotiating table, a shorter sales period, and a minimum number of hassles. 

The world is populated with licensed REALTORS who probably are not right for you and your property.  For example, the housewife who sells an occasional house because she needs a little pocket change, or the insurance salesman who believes s/he can handle two careers, or perhaps your cousin, who "really needs your business."

The sale of your home could well be the most important financial transaction of your life to this date.  Your home is usually the single most 'expensive' thing you own, and you should know as much about the process of selling it as possible.  A good percentage of my job is to inform and educate you about the process, as well as to make the experience satisfying and as profitable as possible!  Along the way, we also hope to have a little fun!  It's your home, and your money - the choice of your REALTOR is yours, so make your selection carefully.