Dear TZ - How do I choose a Realtor?

Dear TZ,

I'm thinking of selling my home. Should I go with a friend who’s a REALTOR®, or should I go with the guy whose name is on all the signs in the neighborhood, or what? How do I choose?

- Choosy Chelsea

Dear Chelsea,

Before you hire a friend to sell your home, think about the worst case scenario…  What if they’ve overpriced your home and there’s no activity?  Or they are doing a poor job marketing your home?  The next meeting you have with your friend will probably be VERY uncomfortable.  Let’s face it,  if things go poorly, there is a chance that you will lose your friendship and still not sell your home.

As for the “guy whose name is on all the signs in the neighborhood”, find out if he’s as good at getting those homes sold as he is at listing them. 

When choosing the REALTOR® that you hire to sell your home you’ll need to look at several factors.  You’ll want to sit down and have a discussion with him or her and you may want to interview several REALTOR®’s before making your final decision.

The first thing is you’ll need to determine whether you like the REALTOR® you’re meeting with.  That’s why a discussion is so important.  Many agents will want to meet with you and make a presentation to you.  You’ll see them posturing to be the best salesperson they can be; but what are they really telling you about themselves and how they conduct business?  So have a discussion and talk to each other about what you’re looking to do and find out about the agent and his or her company.

Once you’ve found someone you’re comfortable with, find out how they are planning to market your home.  Get details!  Will they hold a Broker’s Open House?  Public Open House?  How many will they hold?  Are they truly pricing your home competitively?

A good agent will have a well defined marketing plan.  Will compose a Comparative Market Analysis using recent closed sales of similar homes and will take the time to answer all your questions.  Make sure that they always answer their phone or are quick to return messages and emails.

Also be wary if they offer to sell your home for a low commission.  In many cases the commission is part of the marketing and you want the best agent that money can buy, not the cheapest.  If you were needed surgery would you hire a surgeon that had signs stating %40 off all surgeries?  I know I wouldn’t, I’d want the best surgeon money can buy.  Selling your home is usually selling the largest asset you have; make sure you are hiring the best person to do that. 

Good Luck!

- TZ