by Mike Wiegert

So life takes another turn and now it’s time to get down to the business of selling  your Chico home.  You’ve been told that you should interview three or more Realtors to determine who is most suitable to accompany you on your journey.  Your agent needs to be honest, knowledgeable, experienced, successful and above all, your advocate when dealing with a buyer. 

Your deductive reasoning tells you that you want to interview one agent who has worked with someone you trust.  Another inner voice tells you to call the largest company in town and get their top producer.  Maybe a third option is that nice Mr. X down the street who waves every morning.

Now here come the Chico Realtors with their smiling faces, newly pressed business suits and freshly washed luxury cars.  Oh gosh, they all seem so nice!

Realtor number one is impressive.  He has really done his homework and presents you with all the competitive sales and listings in your  neighborhood..  Although complimentary of your home, he spends the time to make you aware of some of your home’s weak points and areas that you could improve to get a maximum price for your home.

Realtor number two crosses the threshold in a blaze of glory.  You are instantly made aware that she has been salesperson of the month for an infinite period of time and that no one knows real estate like she does.  Your home will fit nicely into her stable of homes and it really reminds her of the house she just closed down the street.  She rushes off to ninety more appointments that day and presses her glossy real estate card with all the discount offers on the back into your now  trembling hand.

Softly a knock on the door is heard and upon opening you find Chico Realtor number three (and neighbor) enveloped in a warm and almost ethereal glow.  Number three is not holding any competitive sales or listings, no fancy folders with glossy pictures of happy buyers and sellers, nothing at all.  Just all smiles and warmth.  Number three strongly disagrees with the market analysis of the first two.  He knows this neighborhood.  He lives here.  Your home is better than everybody else’s.  He can get you a lot more than the others.  So now you are really excited!  Realtor number three is soooooo nice,  and he’s going to get you a lot more for your home, right?

Wrong!