Picking an Agent

CHOOSING THE RIGHT AGENT TO LIST

This thought usually goes through the mind of anyone considering the selling of his or her home: “Should I use a Real Estate Agent?”.  After all, there is now more information than ever on the Internet and marketing and advertising is much easier because of modern technology.  Some people decide to sell on their own.  A few find success.  Many find it more difficult than they originally thought and find trouble in the end.  Here are some reasons to consider listing your home with a real estate agent.

  1. Real estate agents are in the market every day.  They have been educated, passed a written licensing test, and gained experience in dealing with all aspects of selling a home.  They can anticipate the pitfalls and problems that can occur and either prevent their occurence or solve problems based on past experience.
  2. They are a buffer between you and the buyers.  They can screen potential buyers to verify their qualifications.  They can get honest feed back from those who look at your home.  Generally buyers will not be totally open about their feelings when dealing directly with a seller fearing that they may offend them.  However, they will be open with their agent.
  3. They have knowledge of neighborhood properties that have sold, that are currently listed, and those that have been taken off the market.  Sometimes erroneous information about the sale of a neighbor’s house can give wrong impressions about value.  Agents have the hard facts on sales price, concessions made by the seller, and condition of the property that neighbors don’t have.
  4. With comparable sales and listings, an agent can give you guidance on the right price for your home.  They will prepare a competitive market analysis on your home to help you make a decision on pricing your home realistically.
  5. Agents will present a marketing strategy that will promote your home to the greatest number of qualified buyers.  Their access to the local multiple listing system, online and hard copy ads, and networking with hundreds of other agents will give maximum exposure.
  6. They will give an unbiased view of the condition of your home.  They will see your home as a buyer would.  They will give suggestions on improving your home’s appearance.  They will recommend repairs.  They may also suggest  contractors who could do those repairs.  They will even help you stage your home to make the best impression.
  7. They will negotiate offers without emotion.  They will give candid advice on how to respond to offers.  They will highlight the positive and negative aspects of those offers and create a proper counter offer to make sure you are protected in getting the best price for your home.
  8. They will handle all the paper work that will be necessary to close the sale.  They will work with the lender, the title company,  inspector, appraiser, local government agencies, and the other agent or buyer to see that everything is in order.
  9. After closing they will be available to answer questions and follow up on issues that may be unclear or unresolved.
  10. When need arises they will be there to assist you and advise you on the selling or buying of other real estate.

Choosing the right agent is very important.  You will want an agent who listens, who is ethical, and who has had experience in the market.  Not all real estate agents are Realtors.  Realtors belong to the National Association of Realtors and are held to a higher standard of performance through a pledge to follow a Code of Ethics.  The Code of Ethics is a comprehensive list containing 17 articles of practice that establish a higher level of conduct than required by law.

Ask friends and family who have had experience with a real estate agent for a reference to one with whom they have had dealings.  You may want to meet 2 or 3 to get a feel for their experience and abilities.

As you interview them, determine if they are interested in what is best for you.  Learn about the company they are affiliated with.  Ask how long they have been in the business.  Ask about their experience in selling homes in your area.  Ask what their marketing strategy would be.

Do not base your decision on what they think your house is worth or on how much they charge for commission.  If an agent is seeking out business by giving out high priced opinions or low fees, then that agent may be desperate or unqualified.

Again, look for experience, education, honesty, skills with people, and a solid company behind the scenes.  You will realize that the fee you pay the agent will save you more money and grief in the long run.