Your Listing Agent in Nutley New Jersey
There are six things that any home seller has the right to expect from an agent that they choose to market their home. Of course, there are many things a Listing agent should be doing, but these things are absolutely necessary to assure you have the best chance of selling your home in today's real estate market.
1. Selling real estate has changed over the years, but never so much as with the proliferation of the internet. Did you know that between 80% and 90% of home buyers are looking on the internet to find their next home? According to the National Association of Realtors, over 60% of buyers are looking exclusively on the internet. The median age of today's buyer is 30 years old. In my experience, anyone under 40 is looking on the internet for everything. Your Listing agent should have a strong presence on, and knowledge of, the internet. (Tip: Take some time to Google "'Your Area' Homes for Sale" and see who shows up.)
2. Your listing agent should have lots of local experience. He or she should know the market trends and statistics for your neighborhood, your zip code and your city. Don't be tempted to choose an agent from out of the area because they offer a discount, or because they know your Aunt Sally. They will not be able to advise you well if they don't know the local market.
3. Your listing agent should come to you with referrals. Preferably someone you know and trust. Statistics tell us that 4 people you know or are acquainted with will have a real estate transaction this year. Contact someone you know and ask them what their experience has been. You wouldn't choose a professional in any field without a referral, so why should you not do the same with the biggest financial investment of your life?
4. Your listing agent should be advertising your house on the internet, where the majority of buyers are looking. They should have lots of pictures and they should have a visual tour or video of your home, because pictures stand out. Buyers want to see pictures. Make sure the listing agent knows how to best advertise your home on the more than 30 real estate specific websites where buyers are looking.
5. Your agent, whether a buyer's agent or a listing agent, needs to be a great negotiator. This skill usually comes with experience, but some people just have a knack for it. Either way, make sure they have the skills to negotiate well on your behalf. Negotiating often starts long before the offer comes in, through discussions with other Realtors and through the strategy your agent uses to sell your home. How do you know if an agent is a good negotiator? Refer to number 3.
6. Last, and most importantly, your listing agent should have integrity. It almost goes without saying, but often people don't think of it. The agent should have a good reputation in the real estate community. They will be interacting on your behalf with other agents, so you'll want to be assured that the other agents will work well with them. You also need to be able to trust them to communicate with you everything you need to know to help you make good decisions. As my grandfather used to say, "If someone is going to lie for you, then sooner or later they are going to lie to you."
Finding an experienced, internet-savvy listing agent in your area might seem like a challenge, but if you do your research, you should be able to find someone who will work well for you. Be sure to ask around at work, in your neighborhood and with friends. A referral is like gold... on both hands. On one hand, the agent will be motivated to do the best job possible because you chose to put confidence in them based on a previous relationship. On the other hand, you will feel assured that the agent will do their best to serve you.
If you are thinking about selling your home go to http://www.HomesInNutleyNJ.com
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