What kind of questions should be asked when selecting an agent?

Lazaro
Home Buyer
South Gate, CA

I'm looking for a home in Sycamore Creek in Corona, CA. We haven't had the best experience with the last 2 agents. Is it a bad idea to ask tough questions when selecting our next agent? If not, what should we be asking? What questions are important in this market with so many REOs and 15 to 20 offers per house.

We want an agent that knows how to get us ahead of other buyers. We have a conventional loan, 10% down, and we're willing to put 20% down.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answers (8)
Michael Benning...
Broker
91739

You need answer don't stop asking.
If you do not feel comfortable then move on.

A realtor should get you into a trust feeling.
If you have doubt it will only get worse.
Stress is there.
How long in the business? Are they only showing you some listing? Are you qualified?
How many home have you seen?
Have you gotten to a web site and looked for homes? Have you done your home work?
http://www.MichaelBenninger.net

Thu Jul 9 2009, 22:05
Diana Margala
Agent
Upland, CA

Hi Lazaro:

You need an agent who will take the time to show you how they search, what type of information do they give to you in order for you to make the decision as to what offer should be made on the properties. Many of the homes are underpriced right not so they are being bid up and our supply is low, so there are multiple offers.

If you want to make low offers you would be wasting your time and their time. They need to know how to follow the instructions that are set forth by the REO agent, because different banks and different agents have different ways they want to have their offers written. The stronger your offer (the more down) the more likely you would be able to get accepted, so if you had 20% down you should have only been writing 20% down offers. If the homes that you are writing on have certain types of repairs they need to explain to you weather on not you could get a standard loan on those homes. And they need to know how to fill in all of the blanks in the contract so that when an REO agent looks at it, they know the agent will work with them and all the REO paperwork that needs to be completed.

These are just some of the things that are important. Give me a call or drop me an e-mail and we can talk.

Diana
909-945-5763

Web Reference: http://www.dianam.com
Sat Jun 27 2009, 06:23
Robert Vaughan
Broker
Corona, CA

Lazaro,

While you are interviewing agents, I would also like to apply for the position. Please see my profile for what we do.

In addition, I am very experienced with REOs and Short Sales and can guide you through the process professionally. I also have a couple of cool tricks up my sleeve to help put you in front on those multiple offer situations. Timing is important, but so is legitimately structuring the offer that gives you the advantage over other buyers.

Let's put together a winning strategy to meet your real estate goals.

Feel free to contact me. I am at your service.

Sincerely,

Robert Vaughan, CSP
Broker/Owner
Success! eRealty
951.963.0163 ext. 1001
fax: 951.552.6132
info@successerealty.com

Fri Jun 26 2009, 14:16
Liane Thomas
Agent
Corona, CA

HI Lazaro,
You should interview 3 successful agents before you select one. If you are looking in Corona, then you need an agent in Corona. After all, you know these homes are selling the first day they go on the market, you need an agent who can get out TODAY to see these homes for you.
Important questions include:
1) Are you a full time agent or do you work a traditional job and real estate on the side?
2) How many buyers did you get into homes in the last 6 months? (They should have proof to show you) And how many buyers are you working with right now in this area?
3) What can you do differently from the other agents to get me into a home?
When you are ready to interview, I'd like to apply for the job of helping you find a home!

Fri Jun 26 2009, 10:29
Lee & Pamela St....
Broker
Raleigh, NC

Sounds like you are an experienced buyer! Or at least have done some homework - Bravo! Start by asking your colleagues or neighbors if they know of a strong agent (NOT A RELATIVE - FRIEND OR SOCCER BUDDY) but an experienced REALTOR®. Then you do some research on those referrals. Google them, look up their online presence - read their blogs etc. Also look for what other accreditation they have (CRS, GRI, ABR). Look for a REALTOR® that's gone above and beyond the crowd in education.

Then when you meet have your questions ready;

* how long have you been in business,
* how many homes have you sold this year,
* are you part of a team,
* do you understand the REO process
* get their referrals - the last 5 transaction they handled - and CALL them.

And be sure that you are comfortable with the agent you choose. I advise my clients that by the end of the transaction we're going to feel like we are joined at the hip!

Good luck and happy house hunting!
Pamela

Fri Jun 26 2009, 10:28
Larry Story
Broker
Greensboro, NC

Lazaro,
I actually have some clients of mine looking in the same area right now. I am in NC and have just sold their home here (they close next week) but, they are moving to your area and working with an agent out there and putting in an offer now.
It is a very aggressive market out there right now. One of the first things you need to ask is will they show you ALL the listings of homes for sale. I have heard some horror stories of people being stuck with agents that were only showing them "their own listings" . Make sure you see everything that is available for sale.
Make sure if you are going to go after an REO that you have an experienced agent that is use to dealing with the banks.
The banks are looking at several factors. I have seen banks take a lower offer over a higher one simply because it was a cash offer. If you can give them a quick closing date then they prefer that also. The longer they have to carry a home the more money it costs them.

Do not shy away from asking tough questions, you are interviewing someone to help you make one of the largest purchases you will ever make. These agents are applying for this job. You need to be upfront with them as they need to be with you. Make sure you are comfortable with them even on a personality level.

If you need any references to great agents in your area let me know. As I said I am working with a couple now that really know that area. My clients found a home in about two weeks and put in an offer yesterday. So he works quick. If you need anything else just contact me through my profile here on Trulia or through one of my websites listed below.

,Hope this helps.

Fri Jun 26 2009, 10:13
Michael Barron
Agent
Irvine, CA

Hi there Lazaro, I would be happy to send you a list if questions to ask when you are intervewing agents.
I do work in corona and can help you when it comes to making offers on REO'S

Let me know
Kind Regards
Michael Barron
Realtor/MBA/REO shortsale specialist
First Team Real Estate

Fri Jun 26 2009, 10:06
Michelle Gonzal...
Agent
Cerritos, CA
FIRST ANSWER

Hi Lazaro,
It sounds like you are a strong buyer. Did either agent discuss the home buying process with you in detail? We are in a different type of market today so you want to make sure the agent sits down with you to explain what it takes to get into a home in today's market. You may consider asking the following questions:

1. How long have you been in business?
2. Do you have any references?
3. Are you full time?
4. How many buyers are you currently working with?

I would be happy to meet with you and answer these and any other questions you may have. Then you can decide if we should be working together.

Fri Jun 26 2009, 10:03

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