Nobody likes the traditional “interview” setup. Not you, not me, not even the guy on American Idol who interviews singer after singer on television every Sunday night. It can be awkward to know whether you’re asking the right questions and providing answers that will impress the person across from you. Of course, the purpose of an interview is to figure out whether said person is a good match for your needs. In jobs, in relationships, and yes – in real estate! Before you list your home for sale or begin your search for a house, it’s critical to find a Breckenridge Realtor who will be the right fit.
A great way to do this is with an informal interview where you and your potential real estate agent chat about your goals and timeline. This can be at the Realtor’s office or at a local coffee shop – wherever you feel most comfortable. It’s important to make sure you vibe well on a personal level, too. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with one another! To take the anxiety out of writing a script for your “interview,” I came up with six questions to ask your Breckenridge Realtor.
6 Questions to Ask Your Breckenridge Realtor
- How long have you been in real estate?
A seasoned Realtor will have the experience to navigate snags in a transaction and negotiate the best price for your home. But, that’s not to say a new real estate agent can’t be great too. Ask how long your agent has been in the business and consider any special courses or seminars they’ve taken.
- What is your marketing strategy?
A great real estate agent will be able to tell you exactly how they’ll market your home to potential buyers. Be sure digital marketing is part of the package. Your agent should list your property on all major real estate websites, post on social media, and send a blast to their email list. As a buyer, ask how your agent will search for your new home and how they’ll make your offer stand out in a bidding war.
- What sets you apart from other Realtors?
A fabulous Breckenridge Realtor won’t hesitate to fire off their experience, skills, and specialties. Listen for qualities that are important to you. The real estate agent you choose should be honest, trustworthy, and an excellent negotiator. If they check all the boxes, keep going.
- How long have you lived in Breckenridge?
Would you buy a Range Rover from someone who has never sat in the drivers’ seat of one? Probably not. The same goes for hiring a Breckenridge Realtor to help you buy or sell a house in the area. A longtime resident will have a keen understanding of how the market works and help you select the best neighborhood for your needs.
- How much do you charge?
Yep, the money question. Nobody likes to discuss money in an interview. But, when considering a Breckenridge Realtor to sell your house, it’s important. A Realtor might charge anywhere from 3 to 3.5 percent for themselves and another 3-3.5 percent for the buyer’s agent, for a total of 6-7 percent. There is really no standard. But, as a seller, you get what you pay for. Be careful with discount brokerages!
- Do you own a home in Breckenridge?
This may seem like a silly question, but not all Realtors own their homes. Ideally, the agent you choose will own property in Breckenridge and be a permanent resident. First of all, this demonstrates their commitment to Summit County. Second, they have firsthand experience buying and selling a home in Breckenridge, which will help them provide exceptional service to you.
Bonus Question
- Do you have any family or community ties in Summit County?
You want to know that the individual helping you buy or sell a home is rooted in Breckenridge. A Realtor with family in the area and ties to the community clearly has a passion for Summit County. They also have a network of real estate professionals they can tap to find the best buyer for your house.
Searching for a Breckenridge Realtor? Look No Further
Ready to put these questions in action? I welcome the opportunity to be “interviewed” before you would choose me as your Breckenridge Realtor. First and foremost, it’s an opportunity to get to know you. I love meeting my neighbors! A Q&A also allows me to learn about your goals and understand what you’re looking for in the person who will help you buy or sell your house. It may be me - but it may not be. There have been many times where I knew I wasn’t the right agent for the client, and I walked away. These conversations help both of us see if the collaboration is a good fit.
I stopped in Breckenridge on a cross-country road trip almost 20 years ago and loved it so much I never left. Since then, I have purchased property, started a family, and welcomed a majority of my extended family to the area as well. I know Breckenridge inside and out, and I’d love to meet you for coffee or even just chat on the phone to learn about your goals for buying or selling a home in Summit County.
Contact me today and introduce yourself! You can reach me at 970-333-0082 or leave me a note on tanyadelahoz.com.
