What to Ask Before Hiring an Abilene Real Estate Agent

When it comes to real estate, there are dozens of realtors to choose from that come with years of valuable experience. But experience alone isn’t enough in today’s market, or for buyers and sellers who want more from their realtor than a transaction. You need a skilled Abilene real estate agent specializing in the West Texas market with a track record for success and loyal clients.

Ready to buy or sell a home? Learn what to ask an Abilene Real Estate Agent to position yourself for a rewarding experience.

How Long Have You Worked in the Abilene Area?

Residential Properties for Sale Abilene - Horses

First and foremost, you need an Abilene real estate agent that knows the area well, what’s selling, and the current market conditions. Working with an out-of-town agent or a friend doesn’t come with the same expansive network and contacts.

Ekdahl Nelson Real Estate first opened n 1980, and our realtors come to the market with years of experience and roots in the West Texas area. We already work with an extensive roster of clients and hear about upcoming listings before our competition.

How Do You Communicate With Clients (and How Often)?

Everyone’s communication style and availability differs. You may want an agent who responds to texts after hours or on weekends. Other buyers and sellers prefer to stick within business hours whenever possible. However you choose to communicate, it’s essential to set expectations for a productive and satisfying working relationship.

Ask your prospective Abilene real estate agent about their preferred method of communication, how often you should expect to hear from them, and how they handle urgent matters. A professional realtor understands the needs of their clients and is flexible to your preferred communication.

Our agents are also client-focused with deep roots in the Abilene area. Our agents work with you to create a stress-free experience with open communication from start to finish.

Do You Specialize in Specific Properties or Price Points?

Abilene enjoys a variety of affordable price points, but there are also plenty of options for ranches and multi-million dollar properties. An experienced agent should be able to handle just about anything, but many specialize in specific price points or properties.

The good news is a well-renowned team can represent your needs and find a price point that works for you. If you’re looking for a specific property, like a hunting area or ranch, contact the Ekdahl Nelson Real Estate team to inquire about our property specialties and next steps. 

Do You Work Mostly with Buyers or Sellers?

Abilene Farm LandSome agents build a loyal client base and represent both buyers and sellers. Others are more focused on just home sales or new purchases, depending on the agent, firm, and area of expertise.

Ask your Abilene real estate agent about their preference to gain valuable insights into how they work. For example, someone primarily focused on selling homes knows the market well and what’s coming on and off the market. Meanwhile, a seller’s agent may offer more insights into how to market a home to secure the best possible price for the current market.

If you think you want to buy and sell properties for years to come as an investor or to keep upsizing your home, a realtor who represents you could prove beneficial. But what matters the most is the agent’s track record for success and how well you resonate and engage with them. 

How Do You Make Offers Look More Competitive?

Whether the market conditions are highly competitive or moving slowly, you want to secure the best price possible for your next home. Your Abilene real estate agent should have strong problem-solving skills and ingenuity. They can give you some context on how they position offers, which may include:

Working with a local agent who understands what sellers want is essential. They will appreciate the current buying trends and what offers are the most attractive to Abilene sellers.

How Will You Market My Home?

If you’re selling your home, you need an Abilene real estate agent who knows how to market your property to maximize your offers. Spreading the word to contacts before listing it in a hot market helps drive up immediate interest. In a downturn, the realtor needs a comprehensive marketing plan that includes warming up their contacts, making suggestions on staging your home for sale, using social media, and creating a variety of marketing assets.

Your agent should also understand the best time to list your home. They’ll consider other listings about to go live, what’s happening in your neighborhood, and the best day of the week to host an open house.

Are My Expectations Realistic?

Your loan pre-approval numbers are just a dollar amount and don’t tell the whole picture of what kind of property you can afford. Your agent should provide an idea of what to expect for your price point, whether new construction or a fixer-upper.

A realtor may also discuss options if you’re looking for a ranch or hunting property. They may suggest land to build on in the future or a new construction home on an expansive with room to hunt or raise a family.

Next Steps

Ready to buy your next home, ranch, or hunting property in Abilene? Ekdahl Real Estate enjoys helping clients with their real estate goals. Contact us today to connect with an Abilene real estate agent to help you find your dream property.