How to Choose a Real Estate Agent – 9 Questions to Ask

Selling a home is similar to playing a game of chess, and a good REALTOR®  will guide you as you strategically move your home across the board and into closing. Real estate agents at Expect Realty are some of the best at selling homes in Mississippi. Before you hire a real estate agent, it’s important to ask questions of make sure you and the agent are on the same page.

1. What are some of your credentials?

As you begin the home selling journey, you’ll want to hire a licensed agent with access to the multiple listing service, or MLS, so that your home can be listed to prospective buyers near and far. Selecting an agent that is a member of the National Association of Realtors®, like those at Expect Realty, is recommended as they are required to have additional training and must follow a code of ethics.

2. How many sales have you closed in the last year?

A real estate agent’s track record of working with both buyers and sellers provides assurance that they know the market and can provide guidance in pricing and marketing your home.  Experience doesn’t always translate into a quick sale of your home, but it helps! Also check the agent’s Google reviews or the brokerage’s Google reviews for additional insight based upon experiences from others. Expect Realty has experience selling homes throughout Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs and the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast. More than 400 previous clients have rated Expect Realty with 5 star reviews on Google.   

3. Have you sold homes in this neighborhood?

Part of a real estate agent’s job is to sell your home, and also to sell your neighborhood. Agents who are familiar with the area will know of any upcoming changes that may impact the sale of your home or the value of your property. They’ll know what buyers in your area are looking for in a home, and will be able to price yours appropriately.  Real estate agents at Expect Realty sell homes in Coastal Mississippi, and know the coastal communities and neighborhoods well. 

4. How do you determine the listing price?

Perhaps the most important element of selling your home is determining the appropriate listing price for the market. A home priced too high could turn away prospective buyers, making for a longer list time. A home priced too low could result in a quick sale, but you may be leaving money on the table. Agents at Expect Realty have experience pricing and selling homes in all areas of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. 

5. What are the costs associated with selling my home?

Be sure to ask several questions regarding the costs pertaining to the sale of your home, such as commissions, closing fees and any other items that will be passed on to you as the seller.  This information should be covered in a listing agreement, but slight differences in costs could make an impact on your decision of which real estate agent to hire. 

6. How will you market my home?

Your agent should be prepared with a solid marketing plan that includes strategies to attract buyers, such as social media, listing services and open houses, to make sure you receive top dollar for your sale. Expect Realty uses advanced marketing techniques to help homes sell quickly on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. 

7. What do I need to do to get my house ready to list?

Your agent will provide direction and recommendations for any upgrades or repairs to be made before listing. Also be sure to ask for suggestions that your agent may have for simple improvements that would attract buyers but not break the bank. Your agent should also discuss with any day or time preferences you might have for showing your home, and tips for decluttering and staging.  

8. What’s our best way to communicate?

Communicating with your agent will be crucial during the selling process, so it’s imperative that you determine the best way to get in touch with each other. Knowing the method, text or email vs. a phone call,  will help make the selling process easier. 

9. How long will the process take?

It’s nearly impossible to predict how many days your house will be on the market prior to closing, but your agent should be able to give you a rough estimate on how long it will take to see your house.

If you’re interested in speaking with a real estate agent at Expect Realty about selling your Gulfport, Biloxi or Ocean Springs area home, call or text 228.215.1861.