What questions should I ask a real estate agent before hiring them?

<div><p>Interviewing real estate agents is the best way to find the right person for the job. Consider asking the following questions to find the best agent for you:</p><ul><li><p>How will you show my property?</p></li><li><p>Will you do open houses to market my home?</p></li><li><p>How will you handle dual agency (representing the buyer and you as the seller)?</p></li><li><p>Should I make repairs to my home before listing?</p></li><li><p>Will you get professional photos taken of my home?</p></li><li><p>What is the best price you think we can get for my property?</p></li><li><p>How long do you expect the sale to take?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Do I need a real estate agent as a buyer?

<div><p>You don’t legally need a real estate agent as a buyer, as you can represent yourself, but you should always hire an agent as a home buyer. A professional real estate agent will have access to local MLS services to find homes that meet your criteria and needs, can connect you with other professionals—like a mortgage broker and real estate attorney—you’ll need for the purchase, and can often negotiate a better price for your home to help save you money. Plus, as the buyer, your agent’s commission comes from the seller’s proceeds from the sale of the home.</p></div>

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Q: Do I need a real estate agent as a buyer?

<div><p>You don&rsquo;t legally need a real estate agent as a buyer, as you can represent yourself, but you should always hire an agent as a home buyer. A professional real estate agent will have access to local MLS services to find homes that meet your criteria and needs, can connect you with other professionals&mdash;like a mortgage broker and real estate attorney&mdash;you&rsquo;ll need for the purchase, and can often negotiate a better price for your home to help save you money. Plus, as the buyer, your agent&rsquo;s commission comes from the seller&rsquo;s proceeds from the sale of the home.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Real Estate Service pros in Freeport, IL

*The Angi rating for Real Estate Service companies in Freeport, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Real Estate Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Real Estate Service companies in Freeport, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Real Estate Service needs.

Last update on April 06, 2025

Reviewed in September 2012
Working with Carol has been great. I've recommend her to others! She always does the best job around, and is does what's required.
Carol Harkin - American Dwellings Ltd
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Reviewed in August 2012
Gambino Realtors are the best in the area. I like their attention to detail. They make it a very personable experience and put a lot of time and effort into making it an important time of your life. They put a lot of emphasis on making it your own because it is one of the biggest investments you...
Gambino Realtors Inc
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Reviewed in September 2007
Century 21 is one of these major companies in this area. They can do the job though. They keep up with the house sales and found us what we want. The market is iffy now because many homes just sit. We really picked up something for practically nothing. The banks don't like to sit there so as a...
CENTURY 21- NEW HERITAGE
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Reviewed in May 2014
Ray was very professional. Picked great homes in my sons price range for us to look at. Was able to arrange showings same day or the next day when i found ones we were interested in seeing. My son was a first time home buyer and Ray was very detailed in explaining processes to him so he...
Ray King REALTOR
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Reviewed in March 2013
I called Tim to set up a home inspection, h we was able to give me a prompt response and gave me an appointment right away. The day of the inspection, after he was finished he walked us through the home and explained issues that needed our attention and gave us tips how to resolve them. He...
Top Two Bottom Home Inspections
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Reviewed in August 2012
Very engaging and professional. Lorena always responded promptly to emails and was one step ahead of our requests. Furthermore, she was willing to go the extra mile, such as stopping by a home to determine whether we might be interested to prevent us having to make a long drive. Overall,...
Lorena Verdin
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Reviewed in October 2010
He was really nice and knowledgeable. He was a good people-person. He was good about getting us a good place. He listened to what we were interested in. He works for his clients and is their to get them the best deal.
GREG OLSON
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Reviewed in January 2014
Greg Maurer-----This is the realtor we all hope to hire!!!! Greg from Keller Williams Signature helped us find a home for our daughter 3 years ago and a home for us this year. ...
Keller Williams Realty Signature
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Reviewed in August 2012
Tara did an absolutely superb job. She communicated with us on numerous occasions in a very sensitive and helpful manner. When we had questions or concerns, she responded promptly with helpful clarifications. She proved very effective in negotiations about needed repairs and price reductions....
Tara Osborne
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Real estate agents in Freeport

Real estate services FAQs

Real estate agents work on commission, so the cost of hiring an agent will depend on the cost of the home you’re buying or selling. The listing contract should include information about the commission for both agents, which is usually 6 percent of the sale price in total or 3 percent per side. With an average national home value of around $440,000, the typical commission per agent is $13,200. However, you won’t pay this total out of pocket. Instead, the commission comes out of the sale price of the property.

Interviewing real estate agents is the best way to find the right person for the job. Consider asking the following questions to find the best agent for you:

How will you show my property?
Will you do open houses to market my home?
How will you handle dual agency (representing the buyer and you as the seller)?
Should I make repairs to my home before listing?
Will you get professional photos taken of my home?
What is the best price you think we can get for my property?
How long do you expect the sale to take?

Yes, hiring a real estate agent is worth it. Many homeowners make the mistake of trying to sell their homes by themselves, thinking that they’ll save money on the commission, but what they save on the commission, they very often pay for in frustration and concessions on the sale price. Hiring a real estate agent to handle the sale of your home not only makes the process far easier and takes the burden off of you, but most homeowners get more for their homes when going through an agent because of the marketing and salesmanship they bring to the table.

You don’t legally need a real estate agent as a buyer, as you can represent yourself, but you should always hire an agent as a home buyer. A professional real estate agent will have access to local MLS services to find homes that meet your criteria and needs, can connect you with other professionals—like a mortgage broker and real estate attorney—you’ll need for the purchase, and can often negotiate a better price for your home to help save you money. Plus, as the buyer, your agent’s commission comes from the seller’s proceeds from the sale of the home.

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