Questions to ask a real estate agent

Photo by David McBee: https://www.pexels.com/photo/high-angle-shot-of-suburban-neighborhood-1546168/

Have you saved a deposit and are now thinking about buying? Have you got a meeting with a real estate agent and are not sure what to ask? You have come to the right place. Buying isn't always easy, especially as there are a lot of legalities which you need to follow and if it's your first time, it can sometimes feel like a minefield.

A good place to start is to speak to a professional like Bluefield Realty Group. By asking a few good questions to a real estate agent, you can put your mind at ease, and it will make buying a lot easier and more exciting – buying should be exciting as it's a big deal! You will have worked hard to save the deposit and be in the position you are currently in.

So what questions to ask a real estate agency? Below, we have put together a quick guide to help.

How long has the property been on the market?

When you start your hunt for a property, before viewing it, always ask the real estate agent how long the property has been on the market. This question can give you insight into how desirable the property is and whether there may be room for negotiation. A property that's been sitting on the market for a while could be overpriced, or it may have issues that are putting other buyers off. It's not always an issue, but it's always a good question to ask.

Why is the owner selling?

Another good question to ask is why the owner is selling. In most cases, it's because they want to move to another property, but sometimes it's because the house has a lot of upkeep, which is good to know. By knowing this, it can also help you gauge a price to offer. If they're in a hurry to move, they may be more open to accepting a lower offer for a quicker sale. Alternatively, if they have a couple of properties and are not personally moving, they may not be in a hurry and could hold off for the price they want to be offered, which means you can't negotiate.

Are there any known issues with the property?

This is a crucial question that helps uncover any red flags early on. A good agent should be transparent about any known structural issues, planning restrictions, or past repairs. While a survey will eventually reveal most problems, it's good to ask up front. This helps you to not waste your time, as instantly they may be able to tell you a few things about it which you don't like, meaning you won't bother viewing. Alternatively, you may have the money to carry out the repairs, so you aren't worried about them.

What questions do you think are important to ask a real estate agent when buying a property? Do you think the above questions are useful, and will you be asking them yourself moving forward? What advice would you give to someone who is trying to buy their first property and has no experience? Let us know in the comment box below. We look forward to hearing from you.