Agent Interview

What questions should I ask a buyers’ agent?

(Eric’s answers are in italics)

1. How do real estate agents get paid?
   Eric is an independent contractors affiliated with Zephyr Real Estate.  He and his fellow agents are 100% commissioned sales people and get paid out of seller proceeds at the time of a successful closing of a transaction.  Because the listing agents agreement with the seller allows broker cooperation, the listing agent is sharing their commission with the buyers’ agent, so the seller and buyers’ agent have no relationship.
2. How do real estate agents work?Since an agent does not get paid unless you buy a property with their assistance and it closes escrow, your loyalty to them is important.  All the components of buying a home are time-consuming and require the expertise of a professional.  Working with one agent fully committed to your needs will benefit your success.  Your agent will set all appointments to see properties, accompany you as necessary, negotiate on your behalf and assist you through the long list of ‘to-dos’ necessary to complete your transaction.  If you drive by a property, run across a property on-line, or hear of an interesting property, call your agent and have them check availability, price range and discuss whether it fits your criteria.

   Before we begin the search process, Eric will ask you to work with him exclusively in your purchase, as his income is based solely on commission. He will honor your commitment to him and work hard to find the appropriate property for you.  If you decide at any time that your team is not effective, he will welcome your feedback and termination of your working relationship if necessary.

3. Why shouldn’t I just work with the sellers’ real estate agent?
   Normally, there are two real estate professionals in a transaction; this makes it possible for each party-buyer and seller, to be represented.

   When properties are in the multiple listing service (MLS), the listings can be shown by any brokerage.  Because of this ‘broker cooperation’, you need not look only at the listings of your agent.  Through broker cooperation, the listing agent is agreeing to split his commission with the agent representing a buyer, allowing you to have your own representation.

   Working with the listing agent will not provide you with separate representation, so you’ll never be sure you’ve gotten the best deal, or if your private discussions with the agent have made their way back to the seller.

4. Are you a realtor?A realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors and bound to its strict code of ethics.  Realtors are expected to maintain a higher knowledge about the buying and selling process than practitioners who are not members.

   Eric is a member and has been since becoming a real estate licensee in 1994.

5. How long have you been selling real estate ?
   Eric has been a licensed and active, full-time real estate professional since 1994.
6. What organizations/designations do you have?
   Designations and organizations that are joined by a real estate salesperson indicate a higher level of commitment to staying current and active in the marketplace, staying up to date with changes in law in the real estate industry and having completed courses of specialty designation.
   Eric belongs to the:
   National Association of Realtors
   California Association of Realtors
   San Francisco Association of Realtors
   San Francisco Apartment Association
   Small Property Owners of San Francisco
   Golden Gate Business Association
   Greater West Portal Neighborhood Association
   Neighbors of Arden Wood
   Is a regular contributor to the neighborhood newspaper, ‘The West Portal Monthly’
7. What types of properties and neighborhoods have you sold?
   It may give you an edge if your agent has had some prior experience in the neighborhood, building type, or complex you are considering.
   Eric has sold properties in most of the neighborhoods throughout San Francisco of many types, price ranges, and complexity, including: Tenants in Commons (one unit up to a whole building), investment property (residential and mixed use), single family homes, stock cooperatives and condominiums in small, medium and large buildings.
8. What prior experience makes you qualified to work with me?
   It’s good information to find out how active the agent is with both buyers and sellers and how they work to accomplish the goals of their clients.
   Eric has an educational background in architecture and design.  He is licensed and practiced architecture for nine years prior to entering the real estate profession.  His experiences included design, planning and construction management.
   Eric has bought and sold multiple properties over the years, has taught interior design and been a San Francisco landlord since 2001.
   He has been a full-time real estate professional since 1994, closing hundreds of transactions of various building types, price ranges and complexity.
   He works with both buyers and sellers, but not in the same transaction.
   His trademark honesty and integrity are his client’s best tools to achieve their goals.
9. What distinguishes you from other agents?
   Eric uses his creativity in his approach to problem solving, listening carefully to the needs of his clients and employs multiple options and strategies to help them achieve their goals; acting as a true agent of this clients.
   Eric is also known throughout the real estate industry for his open, honest communication and thoroughness with both clients and fellow agents, providing a superior and thorough level of professional service.  Calmly solving the inevitable rough spots of a transaction are Eric’s strong point and when the deal is closed, he stays in touch with his clients, available for questions, real estate advise and referrals to other professionals.
10. What is the reputation of the company?
    Zephyr Real Estate has a sterling reputation in the industry and throughout San Francisco.  Started in 1978 by four people in our original office at 4200 17th St (where my office is), the company has grown to over 200 agents in six locations.  Eric started at the 17th St. office in 1994 and has never considered leaving.
11. Please provide me references from at least three clients you’ve recently worked with.
    This should give you a clear picture about the agent’s strength and weaknesses during your transaction.

Eric is happy to provide references to his clients; he has an extensive list of past clients who will be available to discuss Eric’s performance in their transaction.