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5 Things To Consider When Choosing A Realtor To Sell Your Home

By
Real Estate Agent with Cherimie Crane & Associates

Realtors are professionals. We work extremely hard to remain knowledgeable, updated, and CALM in a market that has more twists and turns than the Stimulus Bill.

Just as in every profession, some work harder, or in a more politically correct world, differently.

If it is necessary for you to sell your home there are some very important points to consider when interviewing a Realtor.

1. How does he/she represent his/herself? If a Realtor comes to an interview (listing appointment) dressed as if they just rolled out of bed, how could they possibly advise you on putting your best foot forward?Courtesy of SIXWISE

 

2. Is the presentation well organized in a manner to reflect the current market in YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

If the presentation is for another area, or worse, another house, simply say, NO THANK YOU.

One thing I always like to do is email my presentation the day before my listing appointment. This allows the seller to peruse it at their convenience and make notes of questions they may have.

 

 

3. Is the Realtor a LISTING AGENT or AN INVENTORY AGENT? This is extremely important. Don't be mislead by a high number of listings. In the current market it is actually quite simple to gain numerous listings. It is more difficult, however; to say no.

A Listing Agent- Someone who is going to focus on MARKETING YOUR HOME.  They will also market your community, a lifestyle, and the value found in your property. A Listing Agent will spend hours upon hours each week making certain your home is receiving personalized attention. He or She will speak to Realtors, neighbors, and anyone who will listen about the wonderful aspects of your property.

An Inventory Agent- Someone who will make certain you know they have TONS of listings. This type of agent is more of a quantity manager, NOT a quality listing agent.

Be very careful. Ask this agent how will they give YOUR home top priority if they have every third house in the neighborhood listed as well.  *if they have 5 people working for them, maybe this is possible*

4. Does the Realtor Listen?!?!?- Seems simple right? Make sure they take note of your concerns, your questions, your time line, your dogs personality, etc.... If the Realtor does all the talking, RECONSIDER.

5. Does the Realtor have advice for you on pricing? Does he/she have statistics to support the advice? If they tell you to price it however you feel.....RUN.

 Professional Realtors will sincerely appreciate your interview. The top agents will shine while answering each question. He or she will be honest, not always flattering. He or She will be interviewing YOU just as YOU are interviewing him/her.

If you need advice on selling your home. Call Cherimie Today!

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Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Beaufort South Carolina, We know Beaufort. Our little coastal town has something for everyone.

 

843-812-2090

 

Stephen Kappre
KW Hometown - Mantua, NJ
Helping You Home

Regarding this statement: An Inventory Agent- Someone who will make certain you know they have TONS of listings. This type of agent is more of a quantity manager, NOT a quality listing agent.

I have seen it many times - you hire the "top" agent in your area, and never hear from him or her. I have seen friends of top agents in the same boat. Big agents can easily have little to no contact with their clients. It is sad. It might be a good idea if you decide to hire such an agent to have them put in writing how they will stay in contact with you. :) Just a thought.

Feb 20, 2009 12:08 AM
Tina Allen
Exit Realty Tri-County - Mount Dora, FL

Great Post Cherimie...thanks for sharing.  Wonderful information for home sellers.

Feb 20, 2009 12:15 AM
Caren Wallace
Premier Property Group LLC - Tualatin, OR
Portland Caren Real Estate

Cherimie, this is so well written and every seller should read it before they make a decision! Thank you for the message here!

Feb 20, 2009 12:21 AM
Morgan Evans
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Wonderful points you make throughout the post.  Listening to the seller and stating what separates you from the competition is always important. Going up a big listing agent is a common objection, you seem to have it handled perfectly.

Feb 20, 2009 12:21 AM
Chris & Maria Skrip
RE/MAX 1st Advantage - Beaufort, SC
Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Sun City SC

All very good and valid points in choosing the right Realtor.  In this market, it is more important than ever to choose the right Realtor and a Realtor that is going to market your home - - not just inventory your home.

Feb 20, 2009 12:24 AM
Debra Kukulski, Broker Associate
RE/MAX Suburban - Cary, IL
SRES;SFR,CDPE;GRI;ABR;e-PRO Realtor, Northern IL

Cherimie, what a great post.  I love the comparison of an inventory agent vs. a listing agent!  I may even re-blog this!

Feb 20, 2009 12:26 AM
Cherimie Crane
Cherimie Crane & Associates - Beaufort, SC

Steve,

I am not trying to knock top listing agents. I hope I didn't come across that way! I just think it is extremely important for sellers to know exactly who and how they will be dealt with! Thanks for commenting.

Tina,

Thank you for the compliment!

Caren,

Thank you so much.

Feb 20, 2009 12:29 AM
Cherimie Crane
Cherimie Crane & Associates - Beaufort, SC

Morgan,

Thank you for reading. I make a point to never take on more listings than I can service, and service WELL.

Maria,

Thanks for commenting. I miss you:)

Debra,

Thank you for such an awesome compliment.

Feb 20, 2009 12:31 AM
Scott Guay
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty - Ocean Pines, MD
Associate Broker. Ocean City and Ocean Pines MD

There is a great difference in a Listing Agent and an Inventory Agent. Great way to express those differences.

Feb 20, 2009 12:40 AM
Kenneth Bargers
Prudential Woodmont Realty - Nashville, TN

Cherimie - This is an excellent post of detailing considerations for the consumer.  The comparison of a listing and inventory agent in right on point.  All the best to you and your business.

Feb 20, 2009 12:51 AM
Cherimie Crane
Cherimie Crane & Associates - Beaufort, SC

Scott,

Thank you. I feel it is a great disservice to our profession to accumulate more listings than can acutally be serviced in a highly qualified manner.

Kenneth,

Thank you for reading. I feel it is often a misconception that the more listings an agent has, the better their service.

Feb 20, 2009 12:54 AM
Dean Akey
Saint Charles, IL

Cherimie, if I was located in South Carolina I would pick you.  I think you do an amazing job in presenting both your properties and area.  Keep it up...

Feb 20, 2009 01:47 AM
Cristal Drake
Circa Properties - Fullerton, CA
Realtor - Fullerton Real Estate

Cherimie, what a great and timely post. I have been churning a similar one around in my little brain. You don't come accross as knocking other agents; you come accross as one that cares and that will surely get the job done! I would pick you if I was in the Beaufort area!

Feb 20, 2009 02:43 AM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

More great advice Cherimie!  I have hear people that dont like to use the term listing agent, changing the spin a touch more.  because your goal is not to just list the home, but to get the home sold!

Feb 20, 2009 03:29 AM
Cherimie Crane
Cherimie Crane & Associates - Beaufort, SC

Dean,

Thank you so much. That really means alot!

Cristal,

Great minds think alike right!?!? ***are you thinking now is a good time for a glass of wine, too??**

Robert,

Thanks Robert!

Feb 20, 2009 10:08 AM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

Cherimie, Good tips and advice. I never thought of agents being an inventory agent...

Your building consultant for life in the Franklin, TN area - Michael 

Feb 20, 2009 07:40 PM
Janice Roosevelt
Keller Williams Brandywine Valley - West Chester, PA
OICP ABR, ePRO,Ecobroker

These are excellent tips and I hope you distribute to your potential sellers. Everyone should read this prior to selecting a realtor

Feb 20, 2009 10:14 PM
Cherimie Crane
Cherimie Crane & Associates - Beaufort, SC

Michael,

Thanks for reading. Most Realtors are excellent listing agents. I have come across those that are more concerned with the number of listings that have rather than the service they provide.

Feb 20, 2009 11:09 PM
Connie Goodrich
Keller Williams Realty - McKinney, TX
CRS ABR (McKinney Realtor)Texas

It's amazing the number of times I got the listing because the other agent just did not have a good first impression or do the homework.  They pretty much defeated themselves or forfeited the listing to me.  Great tips!

Feb 21, 2009 12:49 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Cherimie,

I love the term you used "Listing Agent" and "Inventory agent". A very good point and one I will use in the future. Thanks for a great post!

Feb 21, 2009 07:05 AM