Are you planning to buy or sell a home in Westlake Hills or any of the most sought-after Austin suburbs? Selling a home can be a difficult and complicated time. Working with an experienced real estate agent can help ease the process – in fact, as many as
86% of buyers and sellers have hired a real estate agent to buy or sell a home. However, with many qualified Austin real estate agents to consider, it can be challenging to know who to hire. Read on for eight questions you should be asking to find out which Austin real estate agent would be best for your situation.
1. General questions to ask
Whether you are a buyer or a seller, consider these questions to find out if the Westlake real estate agent would fit your needs.
Are you a full-time real estate agent?
Since not all real estate agents work full-time, asking them this question is a good idea. By finding out how much time the real estate agent has in buying or selling a property, you can gauge their level of commitment. If they are a full-time real estate agent, they will likely have more time to spend helping you achieve your housing goals. However, if they work part-time, then their time might be limited. As a follow-up question, you can ask how many other clients they have to help determine how much time they would have for you.
Do you have any references?
When talking with potential real estate agents, they will likely emphasize the positives, such as their impressive track record and qualifications. However, they likely will not tell you what working with them every day is like. This is where references can come in handy. You should always ask the real estate agent for three references. You can then call these references and ask them about their experience working with the realtor. These references will likely give you inside information on what it was like to work with the realtor as well as their overall satisfaction level. Generally, a positive assessment can be a good indicator if the real estate agent is someone you should consider working with.
How do you communicate with your clients?
The buying or selling process is extensive. You will want to stay in touch with the real estate agent for regular updates. It is good to ask them how they prefer to communicate with their clients, whether by phone or email. You might also want to ask how often they communicate with their clients. You will then know how frequently the Westlake Hills real estate agent plans on keeping you updated.
2. Questions to ask for buyers
If you are planning on buying Austin real estate, here are three questions you should ask agents to help you gauge their familiarity with the local area and housing market.
What are the neighborhoods like?
Buying a home in a new area can be overwhelming, with so much to learn. It can help to work with an experienced real estate agent familiar with the area. You can get insight into what it would be like to live there. Furthermore, it can give you the confidence that the realtor is an expert on the various neighborhoods in and around Austin. For example, if you are looking for a top-notch neighborhood with excellent schools and plenty of green spaces while still being close to all the amenities that Austin offers, then consider the Westlake Hills suburb.
Do you specialize in a specific price point?
Some real estate agents specialize in start-up homes, while others sell homes that are above a specific price point. If you are looking for a luxury property, then you need to work with a realtor who focuses on those kinds of homes. Asking this question can save considerable time and energy as you ensure that the realtor’s specialty aligns with yours.
What is the housing market like in Austin?
As a buyer, one thing you need to consider is the condition of the real estate market. Fortunately, Austin is currently experiencing a strong buyer’s market in which buyers have considerable negotiation power. The
median price for all types of Austin homes was $530,000 as of January 2023, with a 5.4% decrease in prices year-to-date. By asking this question, you will know whether you should buy a home now or if you should wait for a more optimal time.
3. Questions to ask for sellers
The key to selling an Austin home quickly and for top dollar lies in using an exceptional real estate agent who can use strategic marketing, negotiating, and staging tactics. Here are two questions you should ask to help you find the right realtor.
What marketing strategies have you used for Austin homes?
When selling any home, many people think that all that is needed is to list on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). However, you have to invest in marketing. You need a qualified real estate agent who is well-versed in implementing innovative marketing strategies with proven results. That is why you need to ask the realtor what marketing strategy they have used for Rollingwood houses for sale and what the results were. You would then know what kind of marketing you can expect for your Austin home.
How many home sales do you have per year?
Another way that you can determine how successful a real estate agent is in selling homes is by asking them how many sales they have per year. A high number can indicate that they have successfully sold many homes in the Austin area. You can then ask them for the dollar amount in sales that they have earned over a specific period. This can assure you they have the skills and understanding to sell your property for the highest value.
If you’re ready to buy or sell your luxury Austin property, schedule a consultation with the skilled realtors at the
Umlauf Properties Group. They can provide expert guidance on everything from innovative marketing strategies to creative negotiation tactics. With a commitment to providing the highest level of client support, the Umlauf Properties Group can help you achieve all of your real estate dreams.
