Jeff - there are indeed many factors involved in choosing the right real estate agent.  I think that many sellers are beginning to understand that choosing the one with the highest price may just backfire . . .

Selling a home is a big investment for people and they need to do their homework to ensure that they do it right and get the most money they can.

Jeff picking someone to represent you in the sale of your home is a big and tough decision.  But if a Seller looks to your list as a guide the decision can become easier and more manageable.

Jeff this is an excellent post on things to consider when choosing a listing agent. Home sellers everywhere would be wise to read your ideas before hiring an agent to sell their home.

Jeff, a seller contacted me over the weekend to sell his house. He gave me a questionnaire to fill out as part of the process. I had to laugh, but he was burned by an agent in the past. So, he has basically found a way that makes him feel like he has done his due diligence when hiring a selling agent.

I just came from a listing presentation. The seller said she talked with another agent but she was "too aggressive." She also said, "I will call you in 3 days." I told her to take her time, there was no rush. I also mentioned I did not bring anything for her to sign, that's not how I operate. She gave me the listing and darn, I didn't bring the paperwork, LOL. Actually, she liked me. That was why she hired me. She said I was a normal person. So I think that's true for most sellers. They pick a person they like who appears competent.

Jeff

Your post hit it out of the park on the importance of the listing professional in a successful real estate transaction.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Jeff

Congratulations on receiving a gold star feature on an outstanding post.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

I think you have pointed out a lot of things that sellers should think about when selecting a listing agent.  I also believe that asking the seller what is important to them is key to deciding if the agent wants to take the listing.

Best listing appointment is one that came from a referral...

Let’s face it, you will likely make your decision to hire, at least in part, based on the issues that are important to you.

That is one my favorites of your many blog posts Jeff Dowler 

There is truly so much to consider when picking that right agent for you.  I loved the "someone who doesn't use technology". There are truly those clients who who don't text, email or own a computer.  I have a client right now that I mail listings to.  But fortunate for her, I'm flexible to meet the needs of clients as they see fit when it comes to communication methods.

Loved this post.

Jeff Dowler "First, some sellers pick the agent who gives them the higher list price, or is willing to list at what the seller wants even if market data show clearly that’s wrong."

Right on target - and - re-blog!

Congratulations on your featured article. We are looking forward to the next one.

Sellers hire real estate professionals for all sorts of reasons, as you indicate above. Unfortunately, many pick the agent with the lowest commission or the one that claims they can get the seller's overpriced amount. Those decisions usually equate to a long selling period (or expired listing).

Good morning Jeff, there are many reasons why sellers choose the agent to list their home with. Some are not very good ones but if it works for the sellers, they should go for it. Excellent post to all sellers, well deserved feature!

Great points Jeff Dowler !

If anyone ever wrote a book about this, it would sell well. This subject tends to make itself known after the fact when it is needed before hand. Good post

Hi Jeff --- I particularly like the way you end your post with a reminder to sellers about the focus and the goal.   It's about moving forward...Making it as smooth as possible is a very nice benefit of working with the right professional representation.  

These are great points and worth sharing again and again. It isn't always about commission.

How about how pretty the agent is? I once lost a listing from an aging gentleman because he thought the other agent was pretty.  He had a terminal illness and wanted a pretty face to look at before he passed on.  What am I chopped liver? Months later after the gentleman passed on I got a frantic call from his daughter stating that the "pretty agent" was just awful.  So, maybe one word of advice to sellers would be, don't base your decision on appearance.  Great post Jeff. Very helpful.

We hired a broker (boat, not house, but still same thing) in June and long story short....we will be relisting in the spring with a different one. To say he lacks communication skills would be an understatement. It's been torture to say the least. 

He seemed perfect for the job when we interviewed him and he came recommended by a real estate agent I do staging for. Even when you do your homework you can still regret your choice.

Jeff Dowler, call (760) 840-1360 Real Estate Agent with Solutions Real Estate CalBRE License, to Carlsbad, CA.

Great post Jeff. As with most decisions in life, sellers need to set expectations for themselves when they choose an agent. Although on the surface it might look like we all do the same thing, we don't. Or more to the point, we have different ways of doing it. 

Great post! It's a big decision for sellers. In my opinion trust is one of the major factors in their decision making process

I've run into these 2 which I read in Jeff Dowler and Jerry Murphy's comments:  

1. The brokerage the agent works for. 

2. How about how pretty the agent is?

Jeff, this is one of the areas that sellers don't generally perform their due diligence very well. Far too many are swayed by recommendations...even though that agent may not be the right fit.

Rich

Like the post Jeff!  You mentioned honesty and i'm in agreement with Kat's comments...agents should be upfront and to the point with sellers in regards to the recommended price range when taking (or rejecting) the listing.   

Jeff Dowler - I am sure the most important thing the sellers should ask for is - is the agent going to tell the truth?

Great post Jeff! Hope all the sellers read it - very good pointers. Too many go either with their "gut" (which may err), the top producer or the one with the highest number. There is so much more!

Hi Jeff Dowler - How did I miss this?  I saw it through Debbie Reynolds re-blog. Congrats on the Feature and well deserved!!

Good morning Jeff. You have done a great job with this. All criteria is important, but ultimately you need to feel secure about your choice.

You put together a great list to help sellers select a good listing agent. It's very important to keep the seller's motivation in mind so we can understand and address their concerns and issues. Great job on this post!