Buyer or seller, navigating today’s housing market is no easy feat. The combination of higher borrowing costs, home prices and inventory has led to unique challenges for those looking to purchase or list a property. The good news is that financial experts expect interest rates to fall soon, leading to a potential flurry of real estate activity.
Whether in the buying-selling process or eagerly awaiting next steps, the Arkansas Realtors Association is sharing some of its go-to guidance, including the top five questions we should ask a real estate agent.
“What can you tell me about your experience?” Purchasing or listing a home is a major financial decision, and individuals should have complete trust and confidence in their agent. A prospective client may inquire about the agent’s expertise within the neighborhood, current list of referrals, availability for showings or preferred method of communication.
“How can I help ensure the best price for my home?” Individuals should request details about the agent’s plans for the listing, including marketing tactics. Homeowners may also ask if taking on additional upfront costs—prep work, minor improvements or staging—could help facilitate a faster, smoother sale.
“What are the top things I need to know about this house?” Homebuyers should ask for a full rundown of the properties they tour. Along with the basics like square footage and layout, they should receive details about the history and current condition of big-ticket items like the roof or HVAC system that could be expensive to repair or replace.
“How did you arrive at this listing price?” Sellers should ask whether their agent has performed a comparative market analysis (CMA) to weigh the property’s attributes against recently sold homes. This process will help them decide on the best listing price to reduce the time the house sits on the market.
“Is this home well-priced?” In addition to reviewing the CMA report, buyers may want to discuss with their agent how long the property has been listed, the seller’s preferred timeline (e.g., 30- or 60-day closing) and whether they have a recommended strategy to make their bid more competitive.
And the end goal? To make the buying-selling process as easy and stress-free as possible. Ask straightforward questions, ensure an open line of communication and then let your agent help you close the deal.