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How to Choose a Listing Agent

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker United, Realtor

You've decided to list you home.  

That was the easy part. Now you must decided which Realtor to hire to list your home and help you sell your house. 

One option is to go with the agent who advertises the most. While that agent's name might be most familiar it is not always the best option. 

If you don't already know an agent that you are comfortable working with, then you should pick several through recommendations from friends or even the agents own marketing and set appointments to interview.  You don't have to interview all of the Realtors face to face. I have been interviewed and hired via email and phone conversations.  I have several out of town clients that I would not recognize if they past me on the street, but they thoroughly interviewed me before hiring me to market their real estate.

What Should You Look For In An Agent?

Experience, Knowledge, and a Can Do Attitude!

Can the Realtor provide client referrals?

Is the Realtor capable of providing staging assistance?

Does the Realtor submit to  an online Client Experience Ratings?

Is the Realtor willing to hold Open Houses?

Which websites will advertise your home?

Does the agent follow up on showings?

Will the agent keep your best interest in mind, fiercely negotiating the best possible contract?

Does the Realtor send you weekly reports on the marketing of your home?

Will the Realtor meet with you on a regular basis via phone or in person to discuss status and strategy?

What Should You Not Be Concerned About?

The Broker's Commission

While everyone wants a deal, a discounted commission is often no deal.  Usually  full service agents are just that....full service.   Find yourself the most qualified agent and you won't go wrong.  If they offer a discount great, if they don't, the service and negotiation abilities of an experience, quality agent will often net you more money than the discounted agent.   If it is not your policy to hire discount doctors and lawyers, you shouldn't hire your Realtor based commission, but instead experience and knowledge and Can Do Attitude.

 

For more information you can contact me at www.SoldOnMary.com

Comments(2)

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Lori Bowers
La Quinta, CA
The Lori Bowers Group

Mary, your post is right on!  A client needs to do their homework when choosing an agent to fit what they need and want. 

Nov 13, 2009 05:46 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Hi Mary. What a terrific list for a homeowner potentially thinking of selling their home to use as a reference. They should print this one out!!

Nov 13, 2009 09:06 AM