Questions to ask you realitor before you sign the contract? Need advice on a specific ques as well??

We decided to go with a realitor that has sold a few homes in my area. We are going to sign the contract tonight. What should I ask before the papers are signed?

We already met up and discussed everything about her, her techniques, her marketing, company, sales history ect ect.

I just don't want to miss something important that could get overlooked.

I also put an email out to my neighbors two weeks ago giving them the heads up before I listed the house. If I was able to sell it on my own I would be able to offer a better price. One person showed interest but never followed up. What if I get a potential buyer through my original email that was sent out before I signed?? Should I inform the realitor about this or will I automatically have to sell through the agent bc I will be in contract. It is unlikey but you just never know! I wanted to tell th realitor about this but my husand thinks that it will make her weary of doing business with us!

Thanks for those that have helped me and answered all of my question in the past (specifically Christine from Century 21!)

Re: Questions to ask you realitor before you sign the contract? Need advice on a specific ques as well??

How much commission shes requesting?

Re: Questions to ask you realitor before you sign the contract? Need advice on a specific ques as well??

Hi - You have FM!

But for the benefit of others -- yes, you can negotiate an exclusion to the contract with the realtor (for a specific buyer that you had discussions with prior to hiring the realtor). But the exclusion should be narrow and limited in scope. In other words, the realtor may agree to some sort of exclusion along the lines of "If Mary Jones makes an offer and the deal goes to contract within the next 15 days, then you don't pay commission." (In some cases, the realtor will want a reduced commission -- really depends on the realtor and the situation, but a true exclusion is no commission.) But a broad exclusion - "If anyone I personally know wants to buy the house during the term of the listing..." - won't fly. The realtor and her company is going to be investing time, and marketing efforts (and dollars), in selling the house, so they want to make sure that they stand to reap the rewards of their efforts.

Being upfront with your realtor is always better! Things can usually be worked out, but if you don't raise it and discuss it, it can be more complicated down the road.

Re: Questions to ask you realitor before you sign the contract? Need advice on a specific ques as well??

Also, before you sign, I would make sure you understand the terms of the contract (commission, length of listing, etc.).

I would make sure you know how showing appointments will be handled. Will her office call you to schedule showings? Do they have all of your numbers (the best way to reach you)? Do you have any special requirements for showings (if you are giving a key, how will that be handled? do you have an alarm system? are certain days/times off limits? do you require a certain amount of notice?).

How will your agent contact you (do you prefer phone? email? days? evenings?) and how often (weekly? after every showing?). When will the first open house be? How will she follow up with other agents after showings? I think you want to make sure you convey all of your expecations and get on the same page with the realtor from the start.

I would ask her what, if anything, she recommends you do to improve how the house shows (remove family photos, rearrange furniture, etc.).

Good luck!

Re: Questions to ask you realitor before you sign the contract? Need advice on a specific ques as well??

Also ask how the commission will be split between the listing agent and the agent who brings the buyer. Not all listing agents will do a 50/50 split, which is essentially what you want since that will serve as further enticement for the agent to show your house to their client (even if it is only a link and never gets to the showing point)

Re: Questions to ask you realitor before you sign the contract? Need advice on a specific ques as well??

Thanks..all of this advice was very helpful!