15 Questions a Real Estate Agent Should Ask a Property Owner

Many people think they can sell their real estate without a broker's help, because how difficult can it be to just post an advertisement. In reality, however, selling real estate is much more complicated than simply publishing an ad. By using a broker's assistance, it is possible to avoid many problems and the property will likely be sold faster and more skillfully.

In order for a broker to do their job well, they must first familiarize themselves with the real estate situation.

First, they need to examine the object with their own eyes. That's right. A broker will definitely visit the apartment or house that they plan to start selling and will understand the situation to the necessary degree.

That's why they ask a whole bunch of questions right away.

Why has the owner decided to put their real estate up for sale?

This is a very important question, because buyers always want to know this. Perhaps there is something wrong with this property? But perhaps it is especially good living space and if the owner were not moving abroad, they would never want to sell it.

How large are the utility costs?

Again, very important information for the new owner, because utility costs make up a very important part of the apartment or house's value.

How many people currently live in this space?

This question helps explain utility costs. Perhaps the high water and electricity bills are due to the fact that a large family lived here before, and if the new owner's family has fewer people, the utility costs are presumably also lower.

How quickly can the owner move out?

It doesn't always have to be that way, but sometimes the completion of the transaction depends on how quickly the new owner can get the keys and move in.

How active is the condominium association?

If it's an apartment building, it's very important to know how actively the condominium association operates and what its plans are for the future. If possible, the broker should also speak with the association's chairman, from whom they can get the most accurate information about when the roof or pipes were replaced; how new the heating system is and when the building facade renovation will take place.

How are things with natural light?

The new owner will certainly want to know how the sun moves in relation to their new home and how dark or bright their new place is.

How much furniture stays inside?

Furniture can be a very important part of the transaction and therefore it would be necessary to know very precisely whether and how much furniture stays in the house or apartment.

Co-ownership questions

A broker definitely needs to understand whether it is co-ownership or not.

What particularly likes the current owner about their real estate?

If there is something about the apartment or house that the current owners particularly like, it can be used as an important sales argument both when writing the sales text and when talking to potential buyers.

What don't they like?

Maybe there's a creaky floor in the living room or too little light in the children's room? The broker should also clarify any potential defects for themselves.

What are the relations with the neighbors like?

It's unlikely that neighbors would become decisive in a purchase decision, but just in case the broker should know if there are ongoing problems with some neighbors related to, for example, noise or something else.

Warm or cold?

Again, it's very important to know whether the apartment is warm enough in winter or whether you should expect cooler living spaces. It's also important to know how things are with summer heat.

If what is being sold is a rental property…

… then the broker asks the owner about the price at which the apartment or house is currently being rented out. The buyer then already knows to expect future income and other things.

What is the situation with public transport and parking?

Access and transportation questions are also part of the real estate package. It's also necessary to understand which grocery stores the current owners prefer to shop at.

What price does the owner want for their real estate?

Whether the owner's wishes, the actual market situation, and the results of the valuation report align can be discussed by the broker with the owner during the conversation.

During a pleasant conversation, certainly many more questions will arise for both the owner and the broker. The better picture both can get of further actions and the condition of the real estate, the better the broker can do their job.

Successful real estate transactions to all!

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