Choosing a Realtor is a big decision. Every Realtor (myself included) is trying to tell you why they're the greatest thing since sliced bread and why it would be a mistake to even consider working with someone else. It makes Realtors gigantic windbags, but that's a real estate agent's job: to market/promote themselves and their properties.
What's really surprising is that many people aren't looking for what really matters when it comes to hiring an agent. People look at the bottom line. Money. Cash. How much are you going to put in my pocket? Quite often, the agent with the highest bottom line wins!
This method of thinking is the WORST WAY TO PICK A REALTOR!!!
Here's why:
1) An agent's job is to market your home, not set the price. Their CMA is only a recommendation of price, and you have the right to have your agent list your home at whatever price you see fit.
2) If you interview three agents, and one places a higher value on your home than the others, you need to wonder why. Are the other two agents undervaluing your home? Are they using the same comps? Or is the agent with the higher estimate OVER-valuing your home in order to get your business?
3) You need to give your home the best possible chance to sell. This doesn't mean choosing the Realtor with the highest or lowest estimate. It means choosing the Realtor with the best marketing plan. You can always negotiate fees, listing prices, etc.; but you can't make a mediocre marketer great.
When it comes to that CMA, take the advice you get from all the Realtors you interview and use that to set the price. DO NOT use it to choose the Realtor you hire.
A higher price evaluation is no measure of competency or ability as an agent. I'll do a post tomorrow on the qualities to look for in a great listing agent, and keep your eye out for a post later this week on the biggest traps to avoid when choosing an agent!
~Jonathan Benya- Realtor
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000
301-653-8116
Charles County Real Estate Blog
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