10 Questions to Ask your Luxury Real Estate Agent 1

  1. How long have worked professionally in real estate? I began working as a realtor full-time in 2004. However, I have also gained experience in the industry as a licensed General Contractor and by maintaining a portfolio of investment properties over the years. In addition, my family owns a custom home design and construction company that has built over 70 luxury homes in WNC.
  2. We hear that the local real estate markets are hot. Is the luxury market on a similar pace? The Asheville area markets are hitting records for how fast properties are coming on and off the market. But that record-setting pace is confined to homes priced under $600,000. The luxury markets are active, but most properties priced over $1M are being marketed for about nine months. Unique properties are in high demand by out-of-market buyers and are selling more quickly.
  3. How long will it take to sell my home? Location, condition and price all have an impact on how quickly a property will sell. Properties well-prepared for the market often spend less time on it and will sell closer to their asking price. When listing, I recommend allowing a few weeks for my team and I to obtain professional photos and video, review advertising copy and ensure the home is parade-ready. Properties always receive the most interest when they debut and we want a perfect first impression.
  4. How does your marketing plan differ from other luxury agents? In addition to a complete marketing team, including credentialed designers, videographers, and writers, Beverly-Hanks’ marketing staff includes a Luxury Marketing Specialist (LMS). I am able to work closely with the LMS to ensure my clients’ properties receive the broadest possible exposure using targeted marketing strategies.
  5. With Asheville’s luxury real estate becoming increasingly global, how do you market beyond the Western North Carolina region? Through our connection to Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, I am able to market my luxury properties to a targeted audience by leveraging the highly trafficked websites of over 565 top local real estate brokerages and the connections of 130,000 associates in more than 60 countries.
  6. How will we communicate and how often? I ask what is most comfortable for the seller, and that is the predominant form of communication that will be used. There are always exceptions, but making the seller comfortable while keeping them abreast of activity involving their home is paramount.
  7. As a successful agent, how do you ensure every detail is handled well? I implement a team of professionals who specialize in marketing, transaction management, photography and video. Together we ensure each property is shared with the broadest possible audience matching the buyer profile we’ll identify for your home.  We use a careful selection of traditional and online media targeting local and global audiences.
  8. How do you evaluate your client’s experiences in order to improve? I encourage regular, open communication with my clients to discuss what is working and what needs to improve. In addition, I send a third party survey to my clients after each transaction and ask them to evaluate their experience from start to finish. This provides me with honest feedback to improve my processes.
  9. What unique skills and experience do you offer clients that differentiates you from other luxury real estate brokers? My family owns a custom home design and construction company that has built over 70 luxury homes in WNC. Participating in the creation and construction of luxury “one-of-a-kind” homes has been a valuable learning experience and is the perfect launching pad to sell in this exciting market! On another note, I was honored this year with the REALTOR Board Volunteer of the Year Award. Giving back to the community I live and work in has always been a way of life for me.
  10. If you could give someone only one piece of advice when selecting a luxury agent, what would it be? Selling your luxury home can be a very emotional experience, even if you are excited to be moving! Look for an agent you are comfortable with and can speak openly with. The process can be intense and lengthy, so enjoying your working relationship is critical.