The real estate market in Uganda has been steadily growing, making it an attractive option for both buyers and sellers. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a property investor, or someone looking to sell their home, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right real estate agent or broker to guide you through the process. This decision is crucial because the right agent can mean the difference between a smooth and successful transaction and a stressful and unsatisfactory one.

Approximately 89% of homeowners in Uganda choose to work with real estate agents or brokers when buying or selling a property. With so many options available, it's essential to know how to find the right professional to meet your specific needs. To help you in your search, we've compiled a list of key questions to ask potential real estate agents or brokers:

1. What Experience Do You Have?

The level of experience a real estate agent or broker possesses is vital in understanding their knowledge of the local market and your specific type of property. While the number of years in the industry can be an indicator, it's also essential to assess their familiarity with the area where you want to buy or sell.

A reputable agent or broker will have a good sense of the market's current conditions, including property values and trends. They should also be able to provide you with data-backed information regarding the properties they've listed, sold, and the average time it takes to close deals.

Additionally, inquire about their success in pricing properties correctly. A good agent won't overprice a property, as this can deter potential buyers. Ask how often they've had to reduce the price of a property to make a sale. An experienced agent should readily provide this information and back it up with market data.

2. What's Your Marketing Plan?

An effective marketing strategy is crucial in attracting buyers to your property. Your agent should have a well-thought-out plan to showcase your home to the widest audience possible. Here are some questions to ask:

• What creative marketing ideas do you have that have proven successful in the past, such as blogs, special events, or unique property features?
• How will you make my property stand out among the sea of listings that potential buyers will encounter?
• Are you subscribed to top property marketing portals like Lamudi Uganda, Realtor Uganda or Real Estate Database (RED)?

Given that over 55% of buyers begin their property search online, it's essential to have a strong digital presence. Ask to see examples of their online property listings, ideally within Google search results or in the Real Estate Database (RED) if your property is in the same location.

Quality visuals are also crucial in marketing. Ensure that the marketing budget includes professional photography to capture your property's best features, whether it's a breathtaking view or unique room designs.

3. How Will You Keep Me Informed?

Effective communication with your real estate agent is key to a successful transaction. Discuss your preferred methods of communication, whether it's via text, phone, or email. Keep in mind that for important, legal-related matters, texting may not be appropriate.

Ask if they commit to providing you with regular, detailed written marketing and activity reports. It's reasonable to expect updates every two weeks or as agreed upon. It's also important to ensure that your agent is easily accessible when you have questions or need updates.

4. What's Your Commission?

Real estate agents typically earn a commission based on the sale price of the property. The average commission rate in Uganda typically falls within the range of 3% to 10%. This commission is usually split between the listing agent (the agent representing the seller) and the buyer's agent. A portion of the commission goes to the listing agent or brokerage, and the agent themselves usually receives a cut between 60% and 90% of that commission.

It's important to discuss the commission rate upfront and be clear about which sales-related expenses will be covered by the agent's commission and which you may need to pay for yourself, such as staging costs.

5. How Well Connected Are You?

Being well-connected within the real estate industry can be a significant advantage. It demonstrates that the agent or broker has strong relationships with other professionals in the field, such as staging companies, real estate lawyers, photographers, and even moving companies. These connections can help streamline the buying or selling process and ensure that you work with trusted partners.

6. Do You Have Any References?

Don't underestimate the value of references. Request the names of recent clients or property listings that the agent or broker has worked with. It's helpful for agents to have testimonials from satisfied clients, but it's equally important to follow up by contacting these references. Hearing about other clients' experiences can provide valuable insights into what you can expect.

7. Are You a Member of Any Association?

Being a member of a professional association, such as the Association of Real Estate Agents (AREA), can be a significant indicator of an agent's commitment to professionalism, ethics, and ongoing education. These associations often set high standards for their members and may require continuing education and adherence to a strict code of ethics.

Membership in a reputable association can also instill confidence in clients, as it indicates that the agent is held to a certain standard by the association.

In conclusion.

Choosing the right real estate agent or broker is a crucial step in ensuring a successful and stress-free transaction. It's essential to ask the right questions, such as those related to their experience, marketing plan, communication methods, commission, connections, and references. Additionally, consider their membership in professional associations, which can further demonstrate their commitment to excellence. Remember, selling or buying a home is one of the most significant financial transactions of your life, so don't underestimate the importance of selecting the right agent to guide you through the process.