You're ready to sell your home.  You've discussed it with the family, have a good idea of what it's worth, and you're ready to make the big move and call a Realtor.

How do you choose a seller's agent?  Are they all the same?  Do they know the same things? Consider these things before you sign your rights away and either waste a lot of time, or lose a lot of money...

Choose by the company and take the first agent that comes along?

We are inundated day and night by tv commercials about Century 21, Remax, Prudential, and other agencies that are nationwide and very popular.  Does the agency name guarantee a good agent?

Not necessarily.  While the bigger agencies may hold their agents to a higher ethical standard than smaller ones...or even independents, this doesn't guarantee that a particular agent will work hard, spend personal money to market your home effectively, have the best website to show internet buyers, or will not try to sell faster by costing you price-wise.

The experts all say that 80% of buyers look on the internet to do the initial shopping for homes, condos, and land.  Myrtle Beach real estate is particularly high on internet sales. 

Out of the thousands of agents in the country, probably only 1/10 or less of them have spent the money, taken the time to learn about, and utilize the internet effectively.  This should be a strong point in your choice of a selling agent.  Have them show you their website, and check Google to see where it ranks for "Your City Real Estate".  If it isn't there, you should probably look elsewhere.  You've lost a huge potential for selling your home right there.

Go with a friend or neighbor and/or family members out of obligation?

If you are a buyer, this might be ok. As a seller, it may be the worst mistake you can make.  Your friend may have a good personality.  Your friend's daughter may have gotten good grades and need a break to kick start her new career.  Your nephew? Well, you may be stuck with that one.

But keep in mind that if things go sour, you may lose a friendship, create a family rift, or be put on the spot to stay with a seller that isn't a good seller.

Keep it professional and hire a professional - preferably one that you don't know.  It's good to get references, though, so perhaps asking a friend if they know someone, with the stipulation that it not be family, could be a good way to start.

Take the first one you talk to because it's easy and they're all the same anyway?

Be lazy in your decision and don't be surprised after 6 months have passed and you haven't gotten a bite.

Choose an agent that suggests the highest selling price?

Not a good idea at all.  Real estate is a cut throat profession in many areas.  Many agents will flatter you by over-pricing the property to get that all-important listing contract.  If your house is over-priced, it won't sell...simple as that.  In the present market with all the foreclosures and motivated sellers, you may have to take a lower amount than you had hoped for.

That's something you should think about up front anyway.  Are you willing to leave your home on the market for 12 months or more and hold out for what you feel it's worth, or will you concede to the market and sell it quickly?

Choose an agent by the lowest commission?

As everyone knows deep down inside, you get what you pay for.  An agent that agrees to take a rock bottom rate is not going to work hard for you.  The average 6% sounds like a lot of money.  But by the time the agent splits that with a broker, pays for a great website and real estate marketing, hauls potential buyers back and forth with today's gas prices, and pays for other expenses that all agents have, that amount isn't nearly as much as you may think.

Not only that, often a home is sold by a secondary agent, and the commission is then split between yours and the buyer's agent.  If the commission percentage is low, other agents are not going to bother showing your house.

A good real estate agent will EARN your respect, and every dollar of that commission.  Do your homework, interview with several people, ask about the websites and other real estate marketing they will be doing, and make a wise choice when choosing an agent to sell your home.

Excellent Agents That I Know Personally:

Fran and Rowena - Los Angeles Real Estate
Diann Tonnesen - Las Vegas Real Estate
Lee Cunningham - Greenville SC Real Estate
Jack Ragsdale - Keller, Frisco and Flower Mound TX Real Estate
Annette Smith - Sarasota FL Real Estate
Debbie Ferrari - Orange County Real Estate