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When choosing a real estate agent, here are 10 questions that you should ask them before you sign on the dotted line. 

You've been saving for a down payment, planning to buy your first home, and now it's time to pick a real estate agent.  As a homebuyer, you want to pick a fair and honest agent and protect your financial interests. Buying a home is likely one of the largest investments you will make, and it's important to choose a real estate agent whom you can trust to get the job done right, with your best interests in mind.

What Questions Should Homebuyers Ask Potential Candidates

1. How long have you been in real estate, and are you licensed? Determine if you want a cheerful, fresh-faced real estate agent or the advice of a wise, experienced agent. A licensed and designated real estate agent will be part of a brokerage and association and will have agreed to abide by their code of ethics.
2. Do you have Google Reviews? How have their previous listings gone? What was the experience of their previous clients? Does the real estate agent have a good track record and results? They should also have an average list-to-sale-price ratio that shows good negotiating skills.
3. What services do you provide?  And what do you offer/cover in terms of preparing the home for sale? A real estate agent should speak confidently about what they do and what they can offer you. If they know other people in the industry, they may be able to refer you to home inspectors, contractors, or designers—they may even include some services in their offering.
4. Do you know the area? The real estate agent you use should know the area in which you are buying or selling and answer potential buyersʼ questions confidently.
5. Can I review documents in advance? A good real estate agent will share all important documents with you in advance, ensure you understand them by going through them with you and answer any questions.
6. How much do you charge? Some real estate agents charge more than others, and sometimes the price can be negotiated. What makes them different from their competition?
7. How quickly do you respond to calls, texts and emails? Good communication skills and availability are important when coordinating with the many professionals involved in real estate transactions, from attorneys to photographers and inspectors.
8. Do you have a sales strategy? Your real estate agent should have a plan and communicate how theirs differs from other real estate agents. Their marketing plan should meet your needs and give you the confidence to reach a large audience to sell your home quickly and for the highest price.
9. Do you offer a cancellation guarantee? For example, will the real estate agent let you cancel the agreement if you are unhappy with the service provided? If they cannot sell your home, what are your options?
10. What else should I know that I haven't already asked? The more you ask, the more prepared you will be to make an informed decision.

The More You Ask Them, The More You Know Them

Choosing the right real estate agent is one of those decisions where you'll save yourself time, money and stress if they align with your priorities. You should interview at least three or four agents before deciding who best suits what's important to YOU - don't feel pressured by recommendations either way! You have to choose who is right for you.