CHOOSING A GOOD AGENT IN JOHNSON CITY - MORE IDEAS
In addition to the suggestions I made yesterday, here are some other things to consider:
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS. What professional designations does your agent have? . These aren’t the only indications of professional ability, but they are indications that an agent is serious about improving. (I have 30 years of experience and have earned and maintained ABR, CRS, GRI, E-Pro, AHWD designations (and have taught some courses). Your agent doesn’t list any designations.)
PERSONAL WEBSITE. Does your agent have a personal website? A good one should showcase your property and give buyers a lot of reasons to keep coming back to that site – information about the area, MLS, relocation information, area activities and amenities, schools.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. How well does your agent know your area? Is her office in this area? Has she sold others in your neighborhood? (I used to live on your street. I still live in the neighborhood. I have the neighborhood website and a large email list of neighbors. My buyers got two of the five houses that have sold since yours was listed, and the only property priced near yours on your street is one I listed several years ago - sold to the people who sold it to the current owners.
NETWORKING. Is your agent local, and is she a member of professional organizations (both real estate and business) that give her contacts to help market your property? (I'm in local groups associated with some of the designations above and am in the Chamber of Commerce, working on the membership committee.)
Does your agent contact other agents who have, or have recently had, listings that are even similar to yours, since they may well have met buyers who didn’t want theirs but haven’t bought yet. Does your agent try to get feedback from other agents who have shown your property (although not all agents are good about responding to requests, your listing agent at least needs to try.)
INCENTIVE. Does your agent have great incentive to build her reputation in your area because she concentrates on yours and comparable nearby subdivisions – such as Roundtree, Sherwood Forest, Berkshire and Briarwood? As a seven-year resident of your neighborhood, I do have that incentive, in addition to wanting to help you get on with your plans and to help newcomers realize what a great neighborhood we have. (Sometimes fine agents who concentrate on other areas are not successful marketing outside their primary area.)
GOOGLE. Please do what most buyers will be doing - go to Google or other search engines and enter the name of your agent to see how likely it is that people looking for an agent will choose that one. Then Google your property address ("Address" city - for example) to see how it comes up. Then actually click on the links to see if they are complete and useful. Then do the same for me and for others you may be consideriing.
SPECIALIZED WEB PAGES. Web pages can be designed to attract buyers to a particular type of house or neighborhood and in addition call attention to an appropriate listing. See for example, a page about Johnson City patio homes which mentions my listing at 1029 Waterbrooke Drive, Johnson City,
I hope this will convince you that we do need to talk about how I can get your property sold and help you with your local move or with finding a good agent elsewhere if that is your need.
I look forward to getting to find out how I can help you.
Best wishes for success in the new year.
Sincerely,
Mary Sheridan
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