All real estate agents are not equal. Experience, knowledge, personality, professionalism, marketing skills and a whole host of other characteristics are involved in determining which agent is the best match for your needs.
The bottom line is that you want someone representing you that will put your interests above all others. You want someone who will work full time using every tool and skill available to market your home effectively. You want someone who will strive to bring you the highest price the market will yield, in a reasonable timeframe. You want someone who will council with you throughout the process and help you make the best decisions consistent with your objectives.
How do you go about finding this superhero agent? Here is a solid approach. The time and effort you spend now, before you sign that listing agreement, will pay dividends for you in the long run.
First of all, plan on interviewing more than one agent … but only one from any given company, please. Get suggestions from friends and family, see who’s active in your area, and visit the internet. By asking the right questions of the agents you choose to interview, the probability for a successful sale of your home will improve greatly.
So what should you ask?
Start by asking to see the agent’s personal marketing materials. An agent who represents themselves professionally most likely has the skill and know how to package your property effectively.
Ask how the agent approaches their work. What you should be looking for is an honest and knowledgeable individual, who works full-time and appreciates the importance of your goals and objectives. Length of time in the business, track record of success, expertise in and knowledge of the local real estate market are all factors to consider.
Ask about recent listings, time on market, and ratio of final sale price to original asking price. Be wary of agents who suggest very high or very low initial asking prices, and don’t necessarily be impressed by unrealistically quick sales times.
Seek to understand the current market so you can formulate realistic selling expectations.
You should inquire what professional organizations the agent is actively involved in and why.
What type of support staff does the agent have available to make sure the details of your transaction don’t slip between the chairs?
You should be pleased if the agent asks you a lot of questions. That’s an indication he or she is already thinking of unique ways to market YOUR property. Your agent should be prepared to use all the tools available to YOUR best advantage.
You’ll want to know what marketing materials will be created and how they’ll look; what the “Open House” plan will be; how advertising will be employed; and what additional techniques will be used to gain maximum property exposure.
Your agent should offer council in preparing or “staging” your home which, in turn, goes a long way to maximizing the homes potential market value while minimizing its time on the market.
Ongoing communications with your agent during the listing is very important. Find an agent who agrees with its importance and is willing to use a style that you are most comfortable with.
YOU decide the asking price, but your agent must be prepared to give recommendations, backed up by solid data and logic. Placing a realistic price on your property that reflects its current condition will attract prospective buyers and get you all the current market has to offer.
Don’t hesitate to ask for references. A good agent, proud of their work will be happy to provide them.
The meaning of the terms and conditions of the listing agreement should be explained to your satisfaction, including beginning and expiration dates and fees you will be expected to pay. And you should be briefed about disclosure laws and available home protection plans.
In the end you are choosing a business partner, so you want to contract with someone you will be very comfortable working with on a very serious and rewarding adventure.
© 2005 TeamKelly.com
.... blogging from Kingwood, TX
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