Buying or selling a house is perhaps the most significant step in each of our lives and can involve a series of complex and delicate decisions.
In this process, the real estate agent is a valuable ally, capable of guiding both the seller and the buyer through the various phases of real estate transactions and making the entire process smoother and seamless.
When meeting a real estate agent for the first time, it is important to be well-prepared and ask the right questions to obtain clear and relevant information tailored to your specific situation.
So, we thought of sharing with you, dear readers, a guide on what questions to ask the real estate agent so that you can ensure you have all the necessary information to make informed and targeted decisions whether you are looking to buy or sell a house.
If you are looking for a property to buy, a real estate agent can help you understand the market trends, the laws and tax conditions related to buying a house, as well as the available financial options.
So let's see what questions you can confidently ask a real estate agent if you are a potential buyer.
The Swiss real estate market is a sector that knows no crisis: it is considered one of the most solid and thriving in Europe. Therefore, obtaining information on market trends in your area of interest can help you assess whether it is the right time to buy a property and what type of property might be within your means.
It is important to be aware of the laws and tax regulations governing the purchase of a house in the Canton of Ticino and what requirements are needed, and the real estate agent is the most appropriate professional to guide you through this information.
Asking the real estate agent what financing options are available and which financial institutions might be able to offer favorable conditions is definitely a winning strategy to find the solution that best suits your financial needs.
Real estate agencies that have been operating in the area for a long time often collaborate with trusted professionals in the field of credit and financing, and it is not uncommon for them to help you find the financial solution that best suits your goals.
This is the first question you should ask a real estate agent once you have identified a property of interest. Knowing the reasons why the owner is selling the property can lead to a series of additional questions. Based on the real estate agent's response, it may be useful to also delve into how long the property has been on the market, understand if there are mortgages, condominium expenses, or other factors that could make the purchase of the property less appealing.
Obtaining an objective assessment of the properties you are considering can help you make informed decisions and understand if a particular property meets your needs and budget. Speaking clearly and directly with the real estate agent to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the property allows you to understand if there may be issues with installations, moisture problems, necessary renovations, and much more.
Remember: a good agent is your ally even in purchasing as both of you have an interest in ensuring that the transaction is completed satisfactorily for all parties involved.
Now that we have seen the questions you could ask as a potential buyer of a property, let's see what you should absolutely ask a real estate agent when you are considering entrusting them with a mandate to sell your house.
Knowing the agent's experience in a specific market can give you an idea of their expertise in local dynamics and their ability to handle real estate transactions in your area. A well-established real estate agent in the social context in which they operate is an even more valuable collaborator, as they will be able to leverage opportunities and occasions reserved exclusively for their clients.
When choosing a real estate agent to entrust yourself to, it is always advisable to also ask about the working methods, such as the possibility of foreseeing an exclusive mandate.
Asking the agent which tools and real estate marketing strategies they use to promote and advertise the properties they manage can help you evaluate their working method and understand if they meet your needs. From home staging to aerial photography with drones, today the real estate sector has innovative and very useful promotional means, but not all agencies have access to them.
An experienced real estate agent will conduct a market analysis to determine the most realistic and competitive price for your home, taking into account factors such as location, size, and condition of the property. When determining the price of your property for sale, rely on a professional: a real estate agent knows all the dynamics of the reference market and is the most suitable person to help you define the value of your home without making mistakes (such as those related to emotional motivations).
It is important to clearly understand all the costs that will be incurred when selling your house, including agency costs and other related expenses. It is also important to know the price of any additional services that the real estate agent may offer you to promote your property (such as aerial shots via drone, virtual tours, home staging services, etc.).
The average duration for the sale of properties can vary considerably depending on various factors, including location, type of property, market conditions, and the quality of service offered by the real estate agent. If we have particular needs, such as the need to sell our property quickly, it is important to discuss this clearly from the outset with our real estate agent. Not all real estate agencies have a success rate or are able to sell a property in record time.
In conclusion, asking the right questions to the real estate agent and relying on their specialized advice can help you approach the process of buying or selling a house in the Canton of Ticino with the right awareness and success.
Make sure to openly discuss your needs and expectations with your real estate agent to ensure effective and satisfying collaboration in all phases of the transaction.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a house in Switzerland, Matteo Degli Agli and the entire MDA Group Real Estate staff will be happy to help you identify the best properties currently on the market.
Contact us to schedule an appointment.
