HIRE REALTOR WHEN SELLING REAL ESTATE IN A DIVORCE SITUATION

Divorce is happening at record levels during these tough economic down times. Divorce is not a pretty picture for anyone involved in it. How does one divide up the money and real estate? I have been contacted several times to list a home involving a divorce. Many times the home represents equity to be split among the couple.

There are 3 types of listing agreements available to divorce couples when listing a home:

1. Exclusive Right to Sell - This gives a real estate agent a commission regardless if the broker sells your house or not in the sale. If you sell your house, then the real estate agent still receives a commission. However, the real estate agent invests time and money to market the property to best sell it in a timely manner.  
2. Exclusive Agency Agreement - This is almost the same thing as right to sell. However, the owner is allowed to sell the home without legally paying a commission to the broker. It sounds like a great deal. However, the broker will not invest the time and money if the broker is competing with the owner. It is best to hire the best real estate agent in order to obtain highest and best price for the house and follow it to close.  
3. Open Listing - Most agents do not like this type of listing because the first broker that sells the house is entitled to the commission. Agents will invest little time and money on this listing.

Here is an Interview Checklist

Code of Ethics and Professionalism-Realtors uphold code of ethics on a national level. Furthermore, look for a Realtor that comes across professionally and confident. That is the person you want to sell your house. Ask the Realtor if they are a member of National Association of Realtors and their local board of Realtors.  

Market Presence

• Local Market Expertise
• Look for an agent with five or more years of experience
• Full time professional is a must while listing your home
• Ask for number current listings
• Do they know the neighborhood statistics in the last year
• Ask for the number of closings per month to show their activity

References-Ask the Realtor for references to follow up on. Plus, Google the agent's name to search for information on them. Asking questions is important

Experience-Ask the agent if they have experience with divorce situations in real estate. If yes, please ask them about the outcomes of each transaction.

Broker Commission-Discuss and negotiate listing commission. Discuss what the agent will do to earn the commission. Ask the real estate agent for a final marketing plan before listing house.

Divorce is happening in your marketplace. Are you tapping into this market? People divorcing need a Realtor to sell their home to fulfull the divorce decree. Are you that professional?

http://www.realestatedivorcespecialist.com/shop/realestate/

The link above allows you to obtain a designation as REAL ESTATE DIVORCE SPECIALIST

Be different and set yourself up as the expert when it comes to Divorce and Real Estate.