So, you’re thinking about selling your home. You have debated it off and on for a while and you have finally made the decision. First step? Finding the right real estate agent to do the job.
Although it may seem a bit daunting initially, here are 5 easy steps to guide you through finding the perfect agent for you:
1. Do Your Research
Request a list of what properties the agents have listed and sold in the past year. Look at the areas that are near your house and compare and contrast. See what the asking price was, what the property ended up selling for, and how long the property was on the market, etc. Reach out to the owners and ask if they had anything specific to say about the agent to help you with your decision. This will all help lead you to an agent who has dealt with and sold properties that are similar to yours, someone who has the experience that you are looking for.
2. Ask the Agents What They Think They Can Sell Your Home For
This is an important question! Ultimately, you want the best deal for you, so you want to find the agent who can help you achieve your personal goals in the process of selling your home. Ask a couple of different agents what they really think they can sell your home for, and figure out which one seems most likely, and most realistic. Go with your gut.
3. Interview the Prospective Agents
Find at least three prospective agents that you can potentially see yourself working with, and interview them one-on-one. There are a series of questions you can ask them, none of them being right or wrong. Below are a couple of questions you can ask them to help get you started:
- What markets do you generally focus on?
- How long have you been in the real estate business?
- How long have you worked in this area?
- How many transactions a year do you average?
Also inquire about schools, shopping, the neighborhood atmosphere, crime, etc. You want to see if the agent really knows the area you’re looking in. Feel free to start with any and/or all of the above questions when finding your perfect agent. These questions can lead you into others you may have never even realized you may have.
4. Find the Agent with Right Experience
Do a little background research in your area and figure out if you need an agent with different specializations and credentials to help the process run smoother. A couple of key distinctions to look for are:
- SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist)
- ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative)
- CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
5. Be Clear About What You Want
Deciding to sell your home and find a new one is an important decision. You will have specific expectations and goals in mind during this process, tell your agent what those are. Be clear, concise, and upfront about your expectations to help you and the agent both decide that you are the perfect fit for each other. If after laying out your expectations you both are on the same page, you have finally found the agent you were looking for.
You have already made the tough decision to sell your home. Use these 5 simple steps to help you find your perfect real estate agent and put your home in good hands.
View our list of qualified Cortiers Real Estate agents to assist you in selling your home today!
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