Selling your home in San Francisco? Top 8 questions to ask when interviewing a listing agent.
1) How many listings have you sold in the past 12 and 24 months?
The total number of closed home sales over a 2 year period will give you a good ideal of their experience level. Looking at 12 months is a good indicator as to the quality and effectiveness of your agent in current market conditions.
2) How many listings do you have?
Knowing how many listings the agent is responsible for will help you assess the agent’s capacity. Can they provide you with the personal touch, time and attention you deserve?
3) What have you last three listing sold for (final prices) and what was the asking price? What were there average days on the market?
Understanding how effective you agent has been in the current market conditions is key as is understanding if the sales price they are suggesting is the right price or is the agent a chronic over-pricer; offering you a price they can’t obtain to trick you into listing with them and planning to come back and ask for a price reduction after a few weeks on the market, costing you valuable time and the critical moment your home has as a new listing.
4) What area do you sell the most homes in?
It is very important that your listing agent have a deep understanding of the neighborhood. They will be able to more confidently explain facts about the community in detail, shopping, schools, entertainment, crime, transit options, and lifestyle.
5) What makes you different from other agents in the area?
What is your agent doing that shows you they are the best, do they have samples of property brochures, ad campaigns, mailing pieces, internet presence, virtual tours, social media, video tours. Will they be present at your open houses (some agents have their assistants hold the showings). Selecting a marketing savvy agent that knows how to present your home for sale through all marketing channels is imperative to your success.
6) How quickly can I expect a response to my inquiries from you?
Home sellers often have concerns or questions after the home has been listed. Will your agent be available in person, by phone, email, phone or text? How quickly will they get back to you?
7) Do you have client testimonials from recent sales I can review?
If someone has just sold their home with this agent getting their feedback on how happy they were with the process will probably mirror what you can expect from your agent. Most agents will have a list of current recommendations from their clients. When my client’s post testimonials for me on Zillow I use a widget that post’s them on my website as well.
Frank Castaldini
Trusted San Francisco Real Estate Advisor
415.846.1899
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