12 Smart Interview Questions to Ask Buyers Agents
Salt Lake Realty Group’s answers

Here are some pro tips for interviewing agents and questions to ask agents that you interview.

1) How long have you been in the business? Can you tell me about your career?
Robert was licensed in early 2010. Primarily listed and sold short sales from 2010 to 2013. 2013, and growing every year since then, served equity resale sellers and buyers. After operating as a sales agent for five years, became a licensed Principal Broker and started Salt Lake Realty Group in 2015.

2) Can you tell me about your buyer process?
Step by step here: saltlakerealtygroup.com/buy

3) Do you have an understanding of the psychology and logistics of buyers and sellers or do you work exclusively with buyers?
I work with both sellers and buyers. Listing/selling property and working with buyers require very different skill sets. Understanding the psychology and negotiating positions of both sides in a transaction is crucial.

4) Do I work with you? Or will I be pawned off on lower level “buyers agents” and assistants?
Most team models are leverage for a rainmaker listing agent that is either out of production or exclusively lists/sells homes and all prospective buyers are passed to “buyer agents.” I pursued this model in the past and I don’t recommend it. This model is a revolving door for new licensees. Basically, the consumer interviews a producing team lead and then gets pawned off on a brand new agent that is learning the ropes. I do not believe that this business model benefits the consumer. My team exists to help me on the back end to help you. You work with me. I am the contact. You don’t get pawned off.  

5) Do you have resources for me to use to search for homes?
Yes, search.saltlakerealtygroup.com. If you prefer searching on listing portals like Zillow or the consumer MLS, awesome. There are collaboration benefits with using our search portal that I will walk you through.

6) What kind of research can you do on prospective properties and the level of competition that we will encounter?
A LOT! Every property is unique. Independent analysis of market value. Analysis of prospective competition, or lack of competition, on a property. Uncovering the seller’s situation and motivation. Full property history. Offer recommendations are thoroughly considered and I share all of this with you so that you can make the most informed decision possible.

7) How would you describe your negotiating style?
Tactical empathy – Understanding what is important to our counterparty and speaking directly to those items.

8) Can you walk me through your process for presenting offers to listing agents?
Again, tactical empathy. Money is not always the most important negotiating term for a seller. Uncovering the nonmonetary important offer terms that you can use to your advantage. An offer presentation is a sales pitch to the listing agent and their client.

9) Deals typically try to die at least three times. Tell me about possible problems in the transaction, how you have successfully handled those problems in the past, and what you do to handle those problems before they ever come up.
I will share some recent examples with you from the last few months.

10) Can you share recent examples of helping your buyer clients win in multiple offer situations?
I will share some recent examples with you from the last few months.

11) Can you share recent examples of helping your buyer clients get a below market deal on their home?
I will share some recent examples with you from the last few months.

12) Can you share recent examples of helping your buyer clients negotiate seller concessions during escrow?
I will share some recent examples with you from the last few months.

Why are these questions important?
I highly recommend understanding that you are hiring a professional problem solver that proactively solves problems before they become problems.

Make sure that your agent asks you the right questions so that they can bring you the most benefit without wasting your time. Make sure they have happy past clients. Search them on Google and Zillow. Also look at their website. saltlakerealtygroup.com A Realtor's website says a lot about their operation. Also read content that they have created to get into their head and how they do things. saltlakerealtygroup.com/blog