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Dear MoveCenter Experts: How do you help transferees purchasing a home with what to ask realtors?   

Choosing a home is an exciting journey for anyone relocating, and it’s a big decision! Whether your transferees are new to homebuying or have experience under their belts, having the right information is key to making the best choice. That’s why teaming up with a fantastic realtor is so essential! They’ll offer insights, guidance, and expertise every step of the way. At MoveCenter, we connect transferees with local agents ready to represent them well. Here are some questions we recommend they ask when selecting an agent to represent them:

Experience and Credentials:

  • How long have you been a realtor in this area? 
  • What is your average number of successful transactions per year?
  • Do you specialize in any particular type of property (e.g., first-time homes, luxury properties)? 
  • Do you usually work with buyers or sellers? 

Market Knowledge:

  • What is the current market trend in the areas I’m interested in?
  • What are the typical closing times for homes in this price range?
  • How familiar are you with the neighborhoods I’m considering? 

Communication and Availability:

  • How often will you communicate with me during the home buying process? 
  • What is your preferred method of communication (phone, email, text)? 
  • What are your typical business hours and response time? 

Fees and Costs:

  • What is your commission rate? 
  • What are the typical closing costs associated with buying a home in this area? 
  • Can you provide a breakdown of the fees involved in the transaction? 

Negotiation Strategy:

  • What is your approach to negotiating offers? 
  • How will you handle potential counteroffers from the seller?
  • What strategies do you use to get the best deal for buyers? 

Home Search and Viewing Process:

  • How will you identify suitable properties based on my criteria? 
  • What is your process for scheduling home viewings?
  • How do you assess the condition of a property during a showing? 

Contingencies and Disclosures:

  • What are the typical contingencies included in a purchase agreement in this market? 
  • How will you review seller disclosures and potential property issues? 

Once an agent has been selected and properties of interest identified, we have a list of handy questions. These help them make informed choices and find a home that truly fits their needs and dreams. 

Choosing Neighborhoods: 

  • What is the neighborhood like?
  • What are the property taxes?
  • Are there any upcoming developments or construction projects in the area?
  • What is the school district like?
  • Are there any future plans for development in the area that may affect property values?

Property Questions: 

  • When was the house built? 
  • What’s the reason for the sale? 
  • What is the sales history of this house, and how would it affect my offer?
  • How long has the property been on the market?
  • Are there any known issues with the property?
  • Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades to the property?
  • Have there been any major repairs to the property? If so, do you know if they provided a warranty?
  • What is the average sale price of comparable homes in the area?
  • Are there any restrictions or HOA fees associated with the property?
  • Is the house located in a flood zone, wildfire-prone area, or other high-risk climate zone, and has it ever been affected by a natural disaster in the past?
  • Is there adequate cell phone reception indoors? How’s the broadband service in the area?
  • Would the realtor buy this house? Why or why not?
  • What’s the lowest price you think we could offer for this house and still close the transaction?

Asking the right questions can really help your transferees feel empowered and confident in their decision-making! At MoveCenter, we’re here to support them every step of the way, providing friendly guidance and valuable insights. Armed with the right realtor representing them and the right questions to ask, they can easily navigate the local real estate market and find that perfect home sweet home!