Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agency

Hiring the right real estate agent is a crucial step when buying, selling, or renting a property in Brisbane. The real estate market can be complex, and a knowledgeable, experienced agent can make all the difference in ensuring a successful transaction. However, not all agents offer the same level of service or expertise, so it’s essential to ask the right questions to assess their qualifications, local market insights, and approach.

Artier Property Group on this blog guide covers key questions to help you evaluate potential agents, so you can confidently select one who aligns with your needs and goals.

1. How long have you been a licensed real estate agent in Australia?
This question helps gauge their experience and knowledge of local regulations and market trends.

2. How familiar are you with the local market, particularly in [your suburb/area]?
Local knowledge is key to understanding property values, buyer trends, and neighborhood specifics.

3.Can you provide references from previous clients?
Speaking to past clients can give you firsthand insights into the agent’s professionalism, communication skills, and negotiation abilities.

4. How will you price my property to ensure a quick sale?
A skilled agent can accurately assess your property’s market value and recommend a competitive listing price.

5. What is your marketing strategy for selling my property?
Inquire about their approach to advertising, property listings, and open house strategies. A comprehensive marketing plan can attract potential buyers and maximize exposure.

6. What is your approach to negotiating with potential buyers or sellers?
A skilled negotiator can secure the best possible deal for you.

For Buying:

1.What is the estimated property tax and insurance cost per year?
This question helps you budget for ongoing expenses related to owning the property.

2. Are there any known issues with the property, such as structural damage or pest infestations?
This question helps you identify potential problems that may require costly repairs or renovations.

3. What is the average utility cost per month?
This question helps you estimate your monthly expenses for utilities like electricity, gas, and water.

4. How old is the heating and cooling system, and when was it last serviced?
This question helps you assess the condition of major appliances and potential future maintenance costs.

5. What is the school district and the quality of local schools?
This question is important for families with children, as it can affect the property’s value and desirability.

For Selling:

1.What strategies will you use to attract potential buyers to my home?
This question helps you understand the agent’s marketing plan, which may include professional photography, virtual tours, and targeted advertising.

 2. How will you market my home to highlight its unique features?
This question helps you understand how the agent will showcase your home’s strengths, such as its location, size, or architectural style.

3. What is your estimated selling price range for my home?
This question helps you get a sense of the market value of your property and the potential profit you may realize.

 4. How long do you anticipate it will take to sell my home?
This question helps you plan for the timeline of the sale and any associated costs, such as mortgage payments.

5.  What is your fee structure, and are there any additional costs involved?
This question helps you understand the agent’s fees and any potential additional costs, such as marketing expenses or closing costs.

For Renting:

1.What is the average rental income I can expect from my property?
This question helps you estimate the potential income from renting out your property.

2. How will you screen potential tenants to ensure they are reliable and responsible?
This question helps you understand the agent’s process for finding qualified tenants, such as conducting background checks and credit checks.

3. What is the process for handling tenant disputes or maintenance issues?
This question helps you understand how the agent will handle any problems that may arise with tenants or the property.

 4. What are the local rental laws and regulations that I need to be aware of?
This question helps you understand your legal obligations as a landlord and avoid potential legal issues.

For Buying:

1.What is the current occupancy rate of the property?
This question helps you assess the property’s income potential and understand the risk of vacancies.

2. What is the average lease term for tenants in the building?
This question helps you understand the stability of the property’s income stream and potential future income.

 3. Are there any upcoming lease expirations or renewals?
This question helps you identify potential risks and opportunities related to tenant turnover.

4. What is the property’s zoning classification and potential future development opportunities?
This question helps you assess the property’s potential for future growth and value appreciation.

5. What are the operating expenses, such as property taxes, insurance, and utilities?
This question helps you understand the ongoing costs of owning and operating the property.

For Selling:

1.What is the current market value of similar commercial properties in the area?
This question helps you understand the potential selling price of your property.

2. How will you market the property to attract potential buyers, such as investors and business owners?
This question helps you understand the agent’s marketing strategy, which may include online listings, property tours, and targeted advertising.

3. What is your estimated selling price range for the property?
This question helps you get a sense of the potential selling price of your property.

4. How long do you anticipate it will take to sell the property?
This question helps you plan for the timeline of the sale and any associated costs.

5. What are the potential tax implications of selling the property?
This question helps you understand the tax consequences of selling the property, such as capital gains tax.

For Renting:

1.What is the average rental rate per square foot for commercial properties in the area?
This question helps you determine a competitive rental rate for your property.

2. How will you screen potential tenants to ensure they are financially stable and reliable?
This question helps you understand the agent’s process for finding qualified tenants, such as conducting credit checks and verifying income.

3. What is the process for handling tenant disputes or maintenance issues?
This question helps you understand how the agent will handle any problems that may arise with tenants or the property.

4. What are the local commercial lease laws and regulations that I need to be aware of?
This question helps you understand your legal obligations as a landlord and avoid potential legal issues.

For Buying:

1. What are the specific zoning regulations and land-use restrictions for the property?
Understanding zoning laws helps determine what you can and cannot do with the property, such as building a home or running a business.

 2. What is the availability of utilities, such as water, electricity, and internet?
This question is crucial for rural properties, as utility access can be limited or require significant investment.

3. Are there any environmental concerns or potential hazards associated with the property?
This question helps identify potential risks, such as flooding, wildfires, or soil contamination.

4. What is the property’s access to roads and transportation?
This question is important for accessibility and emergency services.

5. What are the potential future development opportunities for the property?
This question helps assess the property’s long-term value and potential for future income or appreciation.

For Selling:

1.How will you market the property to attract buyers interested in rural or off-market properties?
This question helps understand the agent’s marketing strategy, which may include targeted advertising, virtual tours, and showcasing the property’s unique features.

2. What is your estimated selling price range for the property?
This question helps you get a sense of the market value of the property and the potential profit you may realize.

3. How long do you anticipate it will take to sell the property?
This question helps you plan for the timeline of the sale and any associated costs, such as property taxes.

4.What are the potential tax implications of selling the property?
This question helps you understand any potential capital gains taxes or other tax liabilities.

For Renting:

1.What is the average rental income I can expect from this type of property in the area?
This question helps you estimate the potential rental income from the property.

2. How will you screen potential tenants to ensure they are suitable for a rural or off-market property?
This question helps you understand the agent’s process for finding qualified tenants, which may include additional screening criteria for rural properties.

3. What is the process for handling maintenance issues, especially for properties in remote locations?
This question helps you understand how the agent will handle maintenance issues, such as coordinating with local contractors or using remote monitoring systems.

 4. Are there any specific lease terms or conditions that are common for rural or off-market properties?
This question helps you understand any special considerations for rural leases, such as provisions for water rights, livestock, or agricultural activities.

 5. How will you handle potential utilities-related issues, such as water and electricity, in rural areas?
This question helps you understand how the agent will address potential utility issues, such as water or solar power systems.

For Buying:

1. What is the builder’s reputation and track record?
This helps assess the builder’s reliability, quality of work, and adherence to timelines.

2. What are the specific inclusions and exclusions in the house and land package?
This clarifies what is included in the base price (e.g., fixtures, fittings, landscaping) and what additional costs might arise.

3. What are the estimated construction timelines and potential delays?
This helps you plan for the construction process and potential disruptions to your timeline.

4. What financing options are available for the house and land package?
This helps you understand the available financing options, such as home loans, construction loans, or package-specific financing deals.

5. What are the ongoing maintenance costs for the property?
This helps you estimate future expenses, including property taxes, insurance, utilities, and general upkeep.

For Selling:

1. How will you market the house and land package to attract potential buyers?
This helps you understand the agent’s marketing strategy, which may include online listings, property portals, and targeted advertising.

 2. What is your estimated selling price range for the package?
This helps you gauge the potential value of your investment.

3. How long do you anticipate it will take to sell the package?
This helps you plan for the sale process and any associated costs, such as holding costs.

4. What are the potential tax implications of selling the package?
This helps you understand any tax liabilities or benefits associated with the sale.

For Renting:

1. What is the average rental income I can expect from a house and land package in the area?
This helps you estimate the potential rental income and return on investment.

2. How will you screen potential tenants to ensure they are responsible for maintaining the property?
This helps you ensure that tenants will care for the property and avoid damage.

3. What is the process for handling maintenance issues, especially for new construction properties?
This helps you understand how maintenance issues will be addressed, particularly for new homes that may have warranty issues.

4. Are there any specific lease terms or conditions that are common for house and land packages?
This helps you understand any unique lease terms, such as restrictions on renovations or additions.

5. How will you handle potential issues related to property taxes and insurance for a house and land package?
This helps you understand how property taxes and insurance will be handled, especially during the construction phase and after completion.

If you’re ready to make the most of your property journey, contact Artier Property Group today. Choosing the right real estate agent is essential to ensure a smooth, successful experience when renting, selling, or buying property in Brisbane. By asking thoughtful, targeted questions, you can gain valuable insights into an agent’s experience, local market knowledge, and strategic approach, enabling you to make an informed decision.

Whether you’re focused on residential, commercial, rural, or house and land package properties, understanding your agent’s capabilities will help you navigate the complexities of the real estate market with confidence. Ultimately, a reliable agent will guide you through each step, offering expert advice and support to achieve your property goals.

Reach us at 0481 830 090 or email us at info@artierpropertygroup.com.au. Our team is here to provide expert guidance and personalized service to help you achieve your real estate goals with confidence.