22 Questions For Interviewing Agents

8 Questions To Ask Related To An Agent's Experience

• How Long Have You been Selling Real Estate?

  How Long Have You been Selling Real Estate?

  With real estate, the 80/20 rule comes into play. If you are unfamiliar with the 80/20 rule, it is simple. 80% of the transactions will include agents who are within the top 20% of the agents in the market. For example, Mitch is in the top 5% of all the greater Indianapolis Agents.

  This concept is true regardless of if we are talking about Listing agents that work for Sellers, or the Real estate agents who represent Buyers that are commonly known as Buyer's agents. Some agents only represent Sellers and others only represent Buyers. However, most agents like Mitch, represent both Sellers and Buyers. Unlike most of the agents though, Mitch will not represent both a Seller and a Buyer at the same time, on the same property. Mitch shares a lot about why many states have made this concept of representing both Buyers & Sellers at the same time, on the same property, known as limited or dual agency illegal. While not illegal in Indiana Mitch considers this practice to be very unethical! You can read Mitch's Top 10 Reasons to work with an agent that only represents you as a Seller here.

  When interviewing REALTORS®, your goals should always include being represented by a REALTOR® who has great Experience & Expertise, that is relevant to your needs, and an agent who will be Available to serve you best! The best place to start your search is with a REALTOR® who is also among the Top 20% Producers both within their brokerage and within their local community of Agents.

• How many places do you typically sell per year (both Sellers & Buyers?)

  How many places do you typically sell (Sellers & Buyers) per year?

  The average REALTOR typically only handles 12 transactions per year. By comparison Mitch averages 30-35 transactions per year. The optimum skill sets for listing agents are different from Buyer's agents.

  So, a great listing agent should handle at least 15 or more Seller transactions per year! Stated another way, an ideal agent will typically have 40% to 60% of their annual transactions helping Sellers. So, it is possible that a Top producing Agent, who handles 20 to 40 transactions per year, where only 10%-20% of all the transaction are working with Sellers, may not be an ideal listing agent.

• Are You A REALTOR®?

  Are You A REALTOR®?

  A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate salesperson who belongs to the National Association of REALTORS®. Every agent is not a REALTOR®. While most Agents are also REALTORS®, you should always confirm if the Agent is also a licensed REALTOR®.

  As a REALTOR® the agent is held to a much higher ethical standard than just licensed agents. You can see the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics here.

• Do You Mostly Work With Buyers Or Sellers?

  Do You Mostly Work With Buyers Or Sellers?

  Many agents focus on Buyers only or Sellers only. While you may think it is great to find someone who specializes in only Sellers, an agent who does both could offer some great insights into the process. While you of course love your home, objective unemotional Buyers may identify shortcomings with the house. While these issues never bothered you, as the owner, these perceptions may be very real concerns for many Buyers. Specifically, part of the role of a great Listing Agent is to best position the property within the market to overcome these concerns that could ultimately impact either the resale value or the Days On Market. Those who also work frequently as Buyer’s Agents can sometimes offer more clarity in this area.

  NOTE: You do not want an agent though who will represent both a Seller and a Buyer at the same time, on the same property. Mitch shares a lot about why many states have made this concept of representing both Buyers & Sellers at the same time, on the same property, known as limited or dual agency illegal. While not illegal in Indiana Mitch considers this practice to be very unethical! You can read Mitch's Top 10 Reasons to work with an agent that only represents you as a Seller here.

• How does your brokerage compare, within your local real estate community, in terms of market share?

  How does your brokerage compare, within your local real estate community, in terms of market share?

  When you hire representation, you should be more focused on the Agent than their brokerage. However, even the most experienced Agent will from time-to-time encounter something that is very atypical or unusual. Being part of a larger brokerage gives the agent the ability to speak with fellow agents easily, and confidentially, in their office to determine the best and most effective path forward.

  Additionally, a larger brokerage almost always will mean more listings in the marketplace. So, when your Listing agent is part of this environment, that means your agent may hear about competing properties coming on the market even before they are listed. While you can’t of course prevent these properties from being listing you can sometimes adjust your timeline sooner or later to benefit from this other property vs competing with it. Sometimes, since your timeline is not flexible, the best path forward may be to adjust price, increase the Buyer’s agent commission, and/or provide other incentives presuming you are not selling during a Seller’s Market

• What was your typical sales price for the last 12 months? Also, what was the most/least expensive sale?

  What was your typical sales price for the last 12 months? Also, what was the most/least expensive sale?

  Frankly, the steps representing a Seller are basically the same regardless of if it is a $200,000, $400,000 or $2,000,000 property! What does change though, are the time and amount of attention your property will receive during prelisting, with the market analysis, the marketing approach once listed and even the agent’s time to follow up with you as well as with Buyer’s agents. Additionally, the Agent’s overall market expertise and knowledge can vary based on price point since typically a contributing element of price is the Buyer expectations of the homes and the benefits or features of these more or less expensive locations, neighborhoods, and developments. To use buying a car as a metaphor most car salespeople selling compact cars are equipped to talk to the differences between their model and other compact cars. If, however you asked them though about much more expensive cars, or vice versa if they sell luxury cars, they are not equipped to address why you should buy their car vs the ones that are dramatically different.

  So, if you are looking at selling a home with a price point that is well above (or Below) the agent's “typical Buyer or Seller,” then the agent may not be as aware of competing properties and areas which can impact their suggested listing and sales price as well as the agent’s ability to best market your property.

• Can your clients critique and review your services through an independent survey?

  Can your clients critique and review your services through an independent survey process?

  Great Agents want to be even better! They typically understand that the real value of a sale is more about how happy the Buyers or Sellers are, and who these clients can refer to the Agent down the road, versus focusing on the commission from each individual sale. Without a doubt, the best way for an agent to improve is to get independent 3rd party reviews that are specific to both Buyers and Sellers.

  These surveys will usually include reviews, good and bad, about the agent. Being able to see these surveys and reviews allows you to identify specific past clients that you might want to ask to speak with in person, to gain even better clarity on their experiences in working with the Agent. So, as part of this question, you should also ask if these reviews are published online where you can see them.

  Lastly, if the reviews are shared online then you should confirm if the Agent would be willing to request permission, from 1-2 of these past clients, based on your review of the surveys, for you to be able to reach out and speak directly with the past clients regarding working with the agent. Great agents won’t volunteer that ability without gaining approval from their client’s first. However, if they refuse to even ask that’s a huge red flag.

• If your buyer wants to purchase a property, that you have listed, will you also represent them as a buyer?

  If your buyer wants to purchase a property, that you have listed, will you also represent them as a buyer?

  In Mitch's opinion a great agent cares more about providing the best representation vs just making more money and will NOT represent both a Buyer and Seller at the same time. Mitch shares a lot about why many states have made this concept of representing both Buyers & Sellers at the same time, on the same property, known as limited or dual agency illegal. While not illegal in Indiana Mitch considers this practice to be very unethical! You can read Mitch's Top 10 Reasons to work with an agent that only represents you as a Seller here.

  Frankly, any agent who says yes, they will also represent the Buyer, is not likely to be a good option for you since these agents are probably more interested in making the commissions as both a Seller’s agent and a Buyer's agent, vs fulfilling their fiduciary role to you as a Seller!

  As an example, with Mitch, he will give the Seller 2-3 options depending on if you, or the Buyers, are willing to represent themselves. Self-representation is not an approach Mitch encourages; however, Mitch understands that many Buyers and Sellers would prefer this approach, and this does decrease the commissions being paid, increasing the net proceeds for the Sellers, while also enhancing the Buyer’s offer in a multiple offer scenario to create a true Win-Win!

  If neither the Sellers nor the Buyers want to represent themselves then Mitch will refer the Buyers to a fellow agent who typically will represent them for less than that Agent typically would make which also decreases the commissions, although not as low as they would be with only one agent. Lastly with Mitch, the Buyer can always find an independent agent to represent the Buyer for the offer on Mitch's listing. Since this agent will typically be compensated the same as any other agent though, this means any competitive advantage for the Buyer and the Seller is lost. While every Agent may have a different approach, it is important that you know what this scenario will look like.

10 Questions To Ask Related To An Agent's Expertise

• Do you have a niche? Do you focus on a part of town, or type of property?

  Do you have a niche? Do you focus on a part of town, or type of property?

  If your house or condo is typical for the local market, then it is likely most Top Producing Agents that also represent a good number of Sellers and Buyers can help you with your sale. If, however, your property is more unique or the property is in a more unique part of town, or even a particular neighborhood or development, then an agent that is known as the neighborhood/development expert may be your best choice. This type of focus can also be critical if you are looking to sell a lakefront home, a home in a golf course or country club community and even if you are looking for a condominium or a townhouse. An Agent that

  understands these unique and specific types of developments can be critical! Note: Many Sellers think that working with an Agent who literally lives in the neighborhood or development is the best option. While it is true agents who live in the development will have great knowledge about the development, these agent's also have a vested interest in the area and the sales prices. So, unfortunately these agents may not be able to be as objective as the next most prolific agent for this same specific area . While these other agents will have similar expertise, they will NOT have a conflict of interest in setting the most realistic asking price!

• How do you help your sellers be even more successful in a seller’s market?

  How do you help your Sellers be even more successful in a seller’s market?

  This question could have a lot of different answers depending on the local market and if it’s a Seller’s market or a Buyer’s market. While we will share an example of the approach Mitch typically takes, the initial response is what is most revealing! Very experienced and great Agents will likely say this is a great question AND they will have at least a couple of examples they will share. Keep in mind that getting access to the Agent’s multiple sales strategies will likely require you to commit to working with the agent.

  As an example, in Seller’s Markets Mitch typically will take a listing, that he expects to be very popular, active in the MLS/BLC on a Thursday with no showings till Friday. He will encourage Sellers to require an offer deadline typically by 6:30 PM on Sunday with a response to offers by 9:30 PM on Sunday. He asks for all offers to include a 24-hours response deadline and States in the Agent-to-Agent remarks, that the Sellers reserve the right to respond to any offer before the offer deadline. Depending on the status of covid-19, he may only allow one showing at a time with a 30-minute showing window or allow up to 3 overlapping showings with a 45-minute window. Once offers are received Mitch typically tries to negotiate for appraisal gap coverage, inspection limitation or elimination along with identifying which Buyer’s Lenders in offers are stronger and why.

• How many of your listing sales, typically fall out of contract, and why?

  Typically, how many places per year, fall out of contract, and for what reasons?

  This is a bit of a trick question. The issue is not how many transactions fail to close but why they fail to close! The most typical 3 reasons a deal will die in today's market include The Inspection, The Appraisal and The inspection (And No this is NOT the same reason twice!)

  The key point with all three of these issues is the deal dying should NOT be a real surprise for the Seller if the Listing Agent has truly done their job of educating you as the Seller.

  A great and experienced Agent should be able to spot and share red flags about a property that could indicate issues with an inspection. While your Agent is not likely an expert inspector, nor a structural engineer, and you will always want to have appropriate qualified inspectors evaluate the property, great agents can typically spot rot for example which could mean more substantial damage may be hidden forcing more costly repairs. Similarly, visible settling cracks or unlevel floors could potentially indicate structural issues that may not have been properly stabilized. Properties that have had a lot of cosmetic updates, that are not done well will concern Buyers since if the most obvious repairs were poorly done, they will expect the repairs that the Buyer cannot see to be even worse! Little issues with rot for example will prompt Buyers and their agent’s and inspector’s to be even more diligent in looking for other areas with rot or damage. Great Listing Agents will encourage the Seller to repair or disclose known and suspected defects.

  In a Seller's market, Appraisals can come in too low and often will kill a deal. This is why it is very important to know which lenders are “good” or bad since quality local mortgage lenders, will make use of a smaller extremely well qualified panel of appraisers’ vs a regional, national, or online lender who will more often than not use an Appraisal Management company where the appraisers are paid less and have less local expertise. The 2nd problem with Appraisals is more about the listing Agent versus the Appraiser. In this scenario the problem is the Appraisal is accurate, and the issue is the poor quality of the comparative Market Analysis (CMA) by the Listing Agent, or the lack of any CMA even being completed before a list price was established! A great Listing Agent should be able to reasonably predict that a place will not Appraise or have the data at least to show an Appraiser and Buyer’s Agent where or how a “Low Appraisal” was flawed. As part of that conversation the Listing agent should have already set proper expectations with you, as the Seller, about any potential issues with the Appraisal and the Sales price.

  The last issue with Inspection is not that defects may exist! It is that just like an appraisal that is too low, in an aggressive Seller's market, most Sellers don’t feel the need to make repairs is necessary. However, if the Buyer offers top dollar to get a house under contract, many will then use an inspection as a second opportunity to negotiate the price down since the other Buyers have since moved on. While many Sellers may reject requests, and just take their chance with the next set of multiple offers and the next Buyer, Indiana law requires you as the Seller to disclose previously identified defects found in all prior inspections that you have not properly addressed. Even the act of having to disclose that the last deal died because of the inspection will negatively impact the sales price and Days On Market for the next accepted offer. This negative impact gets even greater with more disclosures of more defects. Not only because of the defects but because the Seller does not appear serious or motivated and while the disclosed defect may not bother the Buyer, another previously missed greater defect could, and the Seller has already sent the message that the Buyer will be wasting time and dollars with this Seller.

  Mitch understands that truly the worst case is placing a property under contract, having it not appraise and/or not make it out of inspection after you, as the Seller have lost valuable initial Days On Market. And to be even worse, many Sellers will make plans on the closing of their next home once the current one is under contract. A delay on your current sale may cost you more on the next purchase or even kill the deal entirely!

  Second, when you as the Seller are looking for your Agent’s perspective on what repairs or improvements you should make before listing, staging, and pricing your home, the only thing worse than being told “it’s your decision,” is being told what the Agent thinks you want to hear! Ideally you want an agent who is comparable to Mitch with similar experience, expertise, and the track record needed to tell Sellers what they need to know, so that they can make the best-informed decision.

• Is Buyer's Agent commission typically 50% of the total commission?

  Is the Buyer’s Agent commission typically 50% of the total commission?

  Most Listing Agents also pay the Buyer’s Agent Commission as part of the total commission. First, while you may not understand while the Buyer’s Agent commissions are considered a Seller's expense, realize that most comparable sales used to set your List and Sales price, included the Seller paying the Buyer’s Agent. So, in theory you could decline to pay a Buyer’s agent. However, that would mean a valid market analysis should also be decreased to remove the Buyer’s agent fees from the comparable sales. In the end this should just lower the amount of your expected sales price, resulting in a net gain of zero dollars! Second, pushing this expense to a Buyer up front, vs part of their monthly payment based on a higher sales price, will just decrease the number of available Buyers and the likelihood of also having multiple offers.

  The amount of commission typically varies based on the sales price of the property and is determined in Indiana by you as the Seller & your Listing Agent. Historically, a property listed for sale in the greater Indy area at $300,000 or less would pay a total commission of 7% that would be shared equally (3.5% & 3.5%) between the Seller's Agent's Brokerage and The Buyer's Agent's Brokerage. Depending on each Agent's contract with their Brokerage, each Agent would then be paid a portion of, in this example, the 3.5% commission. Again historically, places that sold for over $300,000 typically paid a total commission of 6% shared equally at 3% & 3%. Plus, properties that historically sold for substantially more than $300,000, like $800,000 or more, would pay a total commission that was even less than the 6% like 5.8%. However, typically this would still be split equally between the Listing Agent's Brokerage & the Buyer's Agent's Brokerage. While this 7%, and 6% or less, has historically been typical, each Listing Agent Brokerage and Seller ultimately decide what the total commission will be, and the Listing agent typically suggests what the split with the Buyer’s Agent will be.

  NOTE: That while a Buyer's Agent has a fiduciary responsibility to the Buyer, to show the Buyer any home they want to see, regardless of what the commission is, that does not mean the Agent will even make the Buyer aware of your home! It also does not mean when the Buyer asks their agent which home, yours or another listing that pays the Buyer’s agent a higher commission, is a better investment that the Buyer’s Agent won’t be influenced by the higher commission.

  Especially in Seller's Markets, where demand for places can generate multiple offers, some Seller's may negotiate with their Listing Agent to pay a lower commission percentage. Still, if a Seller is justifying their sales price based on comparable sales and then also wanting to pay less in commission than was reflected in the comparable sales, then that Seller is effectively asking Buyers to pay "too much" for their property. In Seller’s Markets it’s best to price based on comparable sales and let the Buyer’s offer above price “on their own” versus having a Buyer feel like you made them overpay for the property. Additionally, in these same Seller markets, the Listing Agents may also decide not to share the total commission equally. This would mean that the Listing Agent and their Brokerage are keeping a larger portion of the total commission for themselves. Frankly, the key to getting you the most dollars at closing is to list a property in great condition, at a realistic price, with average or above average Buyer’s Agent commission since each of these elements will reduce the Days On Market and increase the number of offers. And, synergistically, the collective gain is much greater than each individual element’s impact on a higher sales price.

  Again, each Listing Agent together with their brokerage, determine what their minimum acceptable commission will be to represent you as a Seller. Mitch and his brokerage typically expect listing agent commissions to be 3.5% for properties that sell below $300,000 and 3% or less for places that sell for $300,000 or more. So, the Total commissions would be twice those amounts.

  Some Sellers as an interview technique, will try to negotiate down the Commission. First, if the Agent agrees to lower the total fees, only by lowering the Buyer’s agent commission, then this Agent may be decreasing the appeal to the Buyer’s Agents. Less Showings means less offers and less likelihood of multiple offers. Second, if the Listing Agent is willing to decrease their own commission, then seriously ask yourself if they won’t fight for their own dollars how likely will they be to fight for yours?

• Do you track the percentage of your annual business that’s from prior clients and referrals from prior clients?

  Do you track the percentage of your annual business that’s from prior clients and referrals from prior clients?

  Great Agents understand that the real value of a sale is more about how happy their clients are so that these clients refer others to the Agent down the road, versus focusing just on the commission from each individual sale.

  The most successful Agents understand that Seller's will look back on the entire sales experience and things like the Agent's communication style, the Agent’s ability to educate the Seller about what will shorten the Days On Market time, along with the Agent's accessibility all are reflected in the agent’s amount of referral business. Agents understand that “elated” Sellers tend to tell their friends, neighbors, work colleagues and frankly even the person they hear who just happens to be talking about buying or selling in a coffee shop, about their Agent! This is the real test of how great an agent is! Be very cautious If the agent cannot tell you, or they minimize how much of their annual business is generated by prior clients and their referrals! Also keep in mind that the industry wide average for referral business is only 45-50%. So, if the Agent's answer is less than 75%, the agent is not likely the best match for you even if they are a Top 20% Producing Agent since it's likely due to a lot of marketing vs elated clients referring those they know. For comparison purposes Mitch’s typical annual business comes over 95% from repeat and referral vs new clients from marketing etc.

• Do you have Local home contractors etc., that you refer your listing clients to?

  Do you have Local home contractors etc., that you typically refer your clients to?

  Great Agents understand that regardless of if a Seller has owned their home for five years or 35 years, most Sellers don't have established relationships with flooring contractors, handymen, HVAC contractors, electricians, landscapers, and plumbers etc.

• Do you feel it is your job to raise any red flags or concerns about places you list for sale?

  Do you feel it is your job to raise any red flags or concerns about places you list?

  You might presume the answer is an obvious yes! However, Mitch's experience is most agents are more interested in getting the listing vs being open and direct with the Seller. Mitch believes whatever comments you, as the Seller, receive from showing feedback you should have first heard from Mitch. While this is true of both good and bad comments, it’s especially true of the negative feedback since ultimately price will “fix everything!” Keep in mind that your list price creates an expectation for Buyers about what they will see when they view your home.

• Are you also an active appraiser, mortgage lender or do you have any other full or part time professions?

  Are you also an active appraiser, mortgage lender or do you have any other full or part time professions?

  Frankly, it is hard enough for a great agent to keep themselves available to fully meet your needs and to respond to you as a Seller when their only job is being a full time REALTOR!

  If the agent is also working as a mortgage lender, an appraiser or even just working part time in any other profession, the risks are real that the agent may not be available when the Seller, and even Buyer’s Agents, reach out to the listing Agent with questions or concerns. Especially in such an active market an agent responding to you and the Buyer’s agents is critically important!

  Additional expertise from a PAST professional life can be a great asset for your agent! However, other current obligations are a terrible distraction from helping you sell your home.

• What are a couple of things that separate you from other REALTORS® that I may talk with?

  What are a couple of things that Separate You From other REALTORS® that I may talk with?

  There really is not a right or wrong answer here. You should just be looking for something that rings true and seems sincere and will, from your perspective as the Seller, add real value. Maybe it’s an agent’s ability to help you stage the home. It could be about their marketing ability or their proven track record in selling for above average prices in fewer than average Days On Market than other REALTORs. Whatever their answer is it should be an easy answer for a great REALTOR.

  If you asked Mitch, or even his clients this question, their response would likely include… First, from a communication perspective, Mitch is an extremely open and direct Agent. Probably more so than 99% of the other agents you would ever work with. Second, when you as a Seller are looking for your Agent’s perspective listing your property, the only thing worse than being told “it’s your decision,” is being told what the Agent thinks you want to hear! Third, Mitch with his own niche market, tracks his average Days On Market, his average sales price per square foot and his average sales price to list price ratio. Year after year Mitch beats virtually every other agent who like Mitch is in the top 4-5 agents serving that niche.

• How many Days on Market & how many typical price adjustments happen on your listings?
  1. 18. How many Days On Market AND how many typical price adjustments are made before your listings are typically under contract?

  Many people will tell you that if a Listing agent must adjust the price at all that they are either just telling the Seller what they want to hear about list price, or the agent does not have a proven and successful process for setting your list price based on comparable sales and the other relevant available options Buyers are comparing your home against. Days On Market are a Seller’s worst enemy! Anything that results in greater Days On Market including too high of an initial list price, or improper staging will ultimately result in a lower sales price than had the house hit the market with the proper price and with the best presentation.

4 Questions To Ask Related To An Agent's Availability

• What Are The Typical Hours and Days you are Available?

  What Are The Typical Hours and Days you are Available?

  A lot of Agents will tell you that they got into Real Estate to be able to control their hours which frankly is a ludicrous concept although many agents will push back about being available evenings and/or weekends.

  As REALTORS our job is to help our clients buy and sell which means great agents understand that they must be available when our Sellers are available, AND when the Buyers are also available to also be accessible to the Buyer’s Agents! Regardless of when you will be free to talk or ask questions, it is important to make sure that your Listing Agent can also make themselves available.

  The bottom line is while you know your schedule you can typically presume Buyers will have similar availability. If that means you are only free to talk late evenings or early mornings, or only on weekends or at lunch time, then just confirm your Listing agent can match your availability to meet your needs and the times Buyer’s will also likely ask questions before they are comfortable submitting an offer.

  For most agent’s there will be times, although hopefully rare, that they are out of town or just not available. Great agents will always have other great agents that cover for them if they are not available. Typically, if Mitch is out of town, he has agents available to step in although with Mitch even if he is out of town or out of the country, Mitch is still typically available to talk with you. Mitch may ask you or a Buyer’s agent to text him if you or a potential Buyer have a need, but he will get free and call you right back to see how he can best help!

  There is an idiom with REALTORS, that if you want to sell a place just go out of town! Mitch has prepared and negotiated more offers while traveling then he could even count! So, be sure to ask what the process will look like if your Listing Agent will be out of town right before, during or after you list your home.

• What is your preferred way for Buyers to contact you?

  What is your preferred way for Sellers to contact you?

  While this is a question that great agents should be asking you, many salespeople will tell you what they think you want to hear and may even respond “whatever works best for you.” The problem with this answer is that Great agents have busy schedules and yet the best Listing Agents want to be even better including being as responsive to you as they can be. So, if their answer to this question is whatever you prefer works, or shoot me an email, or leave me a voicemail, then this agent may not be the best fit. Mitch tells his clients that texting initially is always best because if it’s too late and he’s already gone to sleep he will see the text first thing in the morning to respond. If Mitch is still awake, he will call you right back. During the day, there are many times Mitch can more quickly respond to a text for example even when he’s at a closing or with another client. In a worst case, Mitch can typically tell you with a text response when he can call you back.

• Do you have set times during the day to respond to emails, text messages and calls?

  Do you have set times during the day that you respond to emails, text messages and calls?

  Many times, you will hear voicemails or get an email bounce back that indicates an agent returns all calls, or responds to emails, between certain times of the day. With some agents they seriously let every single call go to voicemail and then they will respond at times that are good for them. Believe it or not, this process is taught by many real estate coaches as a tool to help agents be more organized and productive.

  Mitch believes that great agents work for you, and they should accommodate your needs vs asking you to work around their schedule. If you think like Mitch does, and you will not be ok with an agent responding during limited times of the day, it is best to find this out early on. As part of this question, you should also confirm if you as a Seller call or email your Agent, will you typically get a response from, the agent themselves, an assistant, or an office/team member?

  Many top producing Agents have Team Members, Transaction coordinators, Assistants etc. While these professionals may be very experienced and in roles that highlight their individual strengths, it is safe to say that if these team members were as good as the Top Producing Agent, they would have their own team vs being on someone else’s team! Although Mitch does not make use of this business model, many top producers will. So, if this is the business model for the agent you are interviewing then, at the very least, you should also interview those team members that will be your primary points of contact.

• If a Buyer wants to submit an offer after hours or on weekends are you available? How often does that typically happen?

  22. If a Buyer wants to submit an offer on a weekend or after business hours will the List agent, make themselves available to review the offer and respond to the Buyer?

  You would likely be surprised at the number of Listing Agents who tell Buyer’s Agents that they will not present offers or respond to offers on weekends or after hours. Frankly especially in an aggressive Seller’s market, if a Buyer or their Agent can’t reach the listing agent, to get a home under contract, they are more likely to move on to plan “B.” Buyer’s and their Agents can’t afford to waste time, plus they figure the Seller, and their Agent will also not be timely with their responses to the Buyers or the Buyer’s Lender once the house is under contract.