Yes it does matter which agent you choose to sell your home. If you list with an inexperienced agent, they rarely have the knowledge to keep you as the seller clear of added costs that can come your way. Let me give you and example. In the past year
Paragraph 6.C of the 1-4 Family Residential Contract (resale) published by the Texas Association of REALTORS(r) states the following:
C. SURVEY: The survey must be made by a registered professional land surveyor acceptable to the Title Company and the Lender.
(1) Within _______ days after the effective date of this contract, Seller shall furnish to Buyer and Title Company Seller's existing survey of the Property and a Residential Real Property Affidavit promulgated by the Texas Department of Insurance (Affidavit). If the existing survey or Affidavit is not acceptable to Title Company or Buyer's lender, Buyer shall obtain a new survey at __ Seller's __ Buyer's expense no later than 3 days prior to closing Date. If Seller fails to furnish the existing survey or Affadavit within the time prescribed, Buyer shall obtain a new survey at Seller's expense no later than 3 days prior to Closing Date.
This paragraph has cost MANY sellers $400+ for surveys that they had to provide because their REALTOR(r) was not knowledgable enough to realize that the seller had to give a copy of the survey AND the affidavit within the prescribed time. Be careful who you work with in selling real estate. Make sure they are current in their knowledge because our contracts and rules in Texas change regularly!
Here are some tips for choosing a good REALTOR(r):
- Make sure that realty is not a part time venture for them. They should be full time in the business.
- You want to know that they stay current in the business and stay on a track of constant self-education.
- Look for certifications like Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or at least Graduate Real Estate Institute (GRI) on their business card.
- Ask how many transactions they have worked in their career. If the number is smaller (less than 50, proceed with caution!).
- If you have the chance to work with a team, you will probably have better results since there are several people on a team each that specialize in a particular area: seller's representation, buyer's representation, etc.
- As for references - people you can talk to that can vouch for the skills and professionalism of those you are considering.
This information is brought to you as a public service of the The HBH Group Realty Team with Keller Williams Realty. You may learn more about us at our websites located at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or contact our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877. We teach a monthly real estate investment seminar in the Greater Austin area and YOU ARE INVITED to this FREE event. Simply call our offices to reserve you seats! Also ask about the investors club that we are forming in the North Austin markets currently - We would love to have you participate!
Want more GREAT INFORMATION LIKE THIS? Just CLICK HERE: 
CLICK HERE to view our current Virtual Tours of properties on one of the team's web sites.
Here are some other Buyer's Resources from Our Website: Seven steps to buying your home
Deciding how much house you can afford Making your home wish list Opting for new home construction
How can a real estate agent help me? 10 things you should ask a real estate agent
Location, Location, Location Mortgage Calculator Contact us about buying your home
And some seller's resources as well:Eight steps to selling your home
How can a real estate agent help me sell my home Practicing good seller's etiquette
How to price to sell and still make a profit Understanding the buyer Increasing your home's appeal
Mortgage Calculator Contact us about selling a property
The HBH Group/HBH Property Management
101 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Suite 190
Roundrock, TX 78664
To contact us:
Phone: 512-439-3772
Toll-Free: 877-268-1877
Fax: 512-579-4248
E-mail: info@TheHBHGroup.com
Websites: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/
http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/
Blogs: http://www.RoundRockRealEstateBlog.info/
http://www.RoundRockRealEstateBlog.com/
Steve Homer
As always, really good information Steve. Nothing teaches like experience . . . I remember some of my first 50 contracts. Would I do a better job for my clients if I could go back and do some of those sales over again. You bet! Step in something once, you never step in it again!