Hiring a real estate agent can be unbelievably stressful! But if you choose the right person, it can take a lot of stress off of your mind. While many agents will want to sell your property, not everyone will be up to doing the best job!
How do you distinguish the average from someone who will excel? Here are 4 important qualities to seek in an agent. Look for someone who will:
1.) Set an accurate sales price: From the real estate agents point of view, it’s easy to tell a seller what he/she wants to hear. Everyone is telling you that your home is worth $250,000, and in walks Joe Realtor and says:
"I can sell your home for $270,000, no problem!"
I call that "Buying the Listing". I completely understand why someone would be swayed promises of more money, but realistically, you will have that agent coming back to you later, asking for a price reduction. It is far better to choose an agent who can look you in the eye and tell you the price you can expect – and then defend that statement convincingly.
2.) Deliver difficult news without flinching: Often there are unpleasant facts that need to be addresses in order to sell your home. This includes things like unanticipated repairs, inspection surprises and so on. While you don’t want someone who will bully you into doing things you aren’t comfortable with, you also don’t want someone who is afraid to deliver bad news. The ultimate goal, after all, is to sell the home. Choose an agent who isn’t afraid to tell you what’s needed in order to get the job done.
3.) Work with your moving schedule: Often a move must be carefully timed around a new job, the end or beginning of a school year or financial considerations. Make sure you choose an agent willing to work his/her best to achieve these goals. On that note, it’s also good to choose an agent who is willing to help you find a new residence, so that the move is seamless and you don’t close on your old home before a new residence is ready.
4.) Work with a strong negotiator: While this may seem obvious, not all agents are great negotiators. You want and need someone who can boldly represent your interests. One way to screen agents is to study the way they negotiate the listing contract with you. Those who are persuasive in negotiating for their own commissions, etc., will likely do a good job on your behalf as well.
If you would like to discuss any of these items, call me! I can lay out these points and many others that are obvious "no-brainers" in selling your home once you know what they are!
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