There's a lot of pressure in selling a home. Most people look for help with their local real estate agents, people who know the business and are familiar with the process. Looking for local, experienced help is always smart, but you also need to know where to look for a reputable agent who will do the best for you and your home. Here are some important steps in looking for that right agent.
Ask Someone You Know. Looking to friends and family for their experiences in the market with particular agents can get you pointed in the right direction. Most likely, someone in your personal community will have a suggestion that is reliable. Referrals are easy because you can see the direct result of someone else's experience.
Make Sure To Do Your Research. When looking into securing an agent, make sure to keep the search local. Focusing on agents in your city ensures that you'll find someone who is familiar with your particular market. Know exactly what you want in an agent? The National Association of Realtors site allows you to search specific specialties, certification, designations, and more to find the person that's right for you.
Be an Interviewer. Found a couple of viable candidates? Sit down and ask the important questions. We advise that you interview at least two agents so that you can get a good comparison of your options and what they can competitively offer you. Make sure not to rush the process either; taking your time can ensure that you find the right agent which can save you thousands of dollars and lots of time.
What kinds of questions should you ask? Here are a few good examples.
1. What type of marketing strategy do they use? Make sure that what your potential agent uses is current. The real estate market is volatile and changes all of the time. You want an agent that not only understands this, but keeps up with it. You also want your agent to be technologically savvy. 87% of buyers implement the internet when searching for homes, so a marketing strategy that includes this part of the market is key.
2. How does your agent plan to communicate with you? Asking this helps you determine how busy an agent is and how much time they will be willing to spend with you on your sale. Some agents work with a team that will be your actual contact. You'll need to settle on what makes you most comfortable, whether that be asking for personal face time or phone calls or letting them know that working with a team is okay with you.
3. Do they have a particular specialty? Agents usually have a forte in the selling business, whether it be condos, apartments, houses, etc. Make sure your agent fits your need.
4. How much can they sell your home for? Pay attention to this answer. If an agent is quoting you prices that are too good to be true, it might be it's because they are. Compare the answers of your candidates to get a true ballpark figure.
5. What do they know about home loans? An agent with fiscal knowledge is extremely helpful and truly essential for selling homes. There is a lot of paperwork and know-how required for the process and you want someone who has a good grasp of it all.
6. Who are they actually working for? Of course, agents work for agencies. However, you want to make sure that your agent has your best interests at heart for your sale. See what their relationships and financial interests are with their agency. Do they intend to represent both the buyer and seller of the house? Are they strictly working for you? If an agent does have designated or dual agency, you should be able to negotiate a lower commission. Find the relationship that is right for you.
Don't Beat Around the Bush. There's a lot on the line when it comes to selling your home. Make sure not to sell yourself, or your house, short. Ask all the necessary questions and then some to be confident that you've chosen the right agent. It's your prerogative to be blunt to find the best fit for you and your home.
Article Citation: FirstTeamRealEstate. (October 9, 2013). How to choose a listing agent without driving yourself crazy. My Realty Times. Retrieved November 16, 2013 from: http://firstteamrealestate.realtytimes.com/advicefromagents1/item/26353-how-to-choose-a-listing-agent-without-driving-yourself-crazy.
Picture Citation: http://www.kangarealty.com/real-estate-jobs-for-military-veterans/
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