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 Topsham, ME

*The Angi rating for Real Estate Service companies in Topsham, ME 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 Topsham, ME 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 02, 2025

Reviewed in July 2012
Very well. They went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. I would highly recommend using them to sell your home.
Kindness Pays Team - Windermere Real Estate
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Reviewed in March 2021
There’s a reason why there are so many glowing reviews of realtor Ron Pletcher – he is simply tops in many ways! He is extremely professional and has a great appreciation for the housing market in central Indiana. He and his assistant Connie were a pleasure to work with and made it easy to sell...
Ron Plecher
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Reviewed in September 2017
The sale of my home far exceeded my expectations. The highest offer I received was $100,000 over what the comps predicted. I had multiple offers to choose from, and Liz & Ellie Real Estate kept me informed in a timely manner as the sale progressed.
Liz & Ellie Local
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Reviewed in May 2014
I read Terry?s write-ups in AngiesList, and decided that he was the one to sell my home! After my first meeting, I understood why the other AngiesList members were so complimentary. He has a totally different approach to the whole process, starting with excellent glamour-style photography...
Terry Hunter Hunter-Broker
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Reviewed in July 2020
Smoothly! My realtor, Monica,Maltese, was patient, understanding, professional and very knowledgeable. It is obvious that, on a personal level too, she wanted to help me find what was best for me. I really enjoyed working with her!
Lipply Real Estate
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Reviewed in October 2012
His rates are reasonable and he was very patient with our many, many questions. He is highly knowledgable about this type of residence and I would (and will) recommend him in a heart beat.
Brian P Rollins
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Reviewed in May 2015
Vaughn Gushee, an agent with The Maine Real Estate Network, is an exceptional real estate agent. Actually, that term does not do him justice. He is truly an Advocate for his clients. My husband and I unexpectedly sold our home in Maine (it was not on the market) and we needed to find a new...
Vaughn Gushee
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Reviewed in July 2010
Lynn was AWESOME! We relocated from out of state and my husband was doing all the house hunting while the rest of the family remained in our old home. Lynn was very knowledgable about the areas, she suggested towns with services and comuting times that would work for us. She knew a lot about...
Lynn McInnis
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Reviewed in October 2013
It has been an excellent experience to work with Cory. We would highly recommend anyone speaking to Cory before making your final decision about a Realtor and who you want to work with. If you want someone who is willing to make sure you keep both feet on the ground, can see properties you are...
RE/MAX LANDMARK REALTORS
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Reviewed in July 2013
Holly was an excellent realtor who took care of everything. I would definitely recommend her to anyone. All I did was put everything in her hands and my house sold in around 2 months. She is an excellent realtor who works really hard to make sure all of your needs are meet. I got the price...
The Maine Real Estate Network
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Real estate agents in Topsham

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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