If you desire to sell your home at the best possible price and in the least amount of time, you’re going to require an experienced real estate agent working on your behalf. Don’t leave your financial future to chance.
The sale of your home likely represents one of the most significant financial transactions of your lifetime. Just as you wouldn’t choose a lawyer or doctor by reading the classified ads or driving around town and settling on the first friendly face noticed on a billboard, it is wise to do the research and consider the huge investment at stake before making a costly mistake.
When you’re ready to choose a realtor, there are several easy methods to go about finding the best one for your unique needs. You will want to choose a realtor with the experience; personality and “savvy” required ensuring a smooth and problem-free transaction. While It is a temptation to use a real estate agent who is a family member or friend, remember if your “Cousin Carlos” or “Aunt Agnes” has not been specifically trained in your market, lacks knowledge in short sales or does not have the experience to negotiate on your behalf, it will be really awkward when you have to fire him/her when they fail to perform. Ask yourself; do you want them privy to your personal financial information? To save embarrassment and to prevent hard feelings, ask for a referral to a seasoned firm. In many cases, your friend or family member will receive a referral fee.
Not all selling agents are licensed or have the same training. The National Association of Realtors advises, “The term “real estate agent” is generic and refers to a sales agent, who is responsible to a real estate broker and who is licensed by his or her state real estate commission to assist the broker in the business of buying, selling, exchanging, appraising, and managing property. A Realtor is a real estate agent who meets all these requirements, and more. ” Members of the NRA actively participate in ongoing seminars, workshops, and certification training to keep stay current in the ever-changing volatile market. They actively participate in community activities and neighborhood organizations, building a network of satisfied clients.
Seek a selling agent that is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NRA). Only members of the NAR may call themselves Realtors, a distinction that sets them apart from non-members. Realtors are held to high standard of ethical practice and conduct and agree to follow the NAR Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice in all transactions. Reputation is paramount. Select a realtor with good online reviews and excellent word of mouth recommendations. Check references and ask if the real estate agent has been involved in litigation or sanctioned by the State Board of Realtors. If so, was the matter resolved to the satisfaction of all parties?
Request recommendations from family and friends who have sold homes in your area. It is comforting to know that someone you trust has entrusted the sale of their home to an agent that successfully guided them through the real estate transaction with a positive outcome.
Look for a realtor that specializes in selling your type of property, in your price range. The majority of seasoned real estate selling agents focus their time and energies on a particular market. If the real estate agent you are considering specializes in downtown lofts and condos, although experienced, they are unlikely to have many customers for your family home in the suburbs. Pick a selling agent that is willing and ready to commit their time and resources to selling your home.
Ask questions. What’s happening with new construction in your price range and how will it affect the sale of your property? Is the local real estate market falling, level or rising? Is there any issue coming up within the community that will affect the sale of homes, such as commercial development, announcements of major company relocations, an increase in taxes or a change in zoning? Quiz the selling agent about your neighborhood, making sure they are familiar with the characteristics and amenities that make your property attractive to a potential buyer. Select a realtor who is up-to-date on what’s happening in the marketplace, detail orientated and motivated to sell your home for all it’s worth.
Interview several agents, inquiring into their sales background. Ask how many homes they have sold in the past six months and if they work at real estate full time.
If a potential selling agent only sells real estate part-time, you will only receive a part-time effort.
Determine if the selling agent has a marketing plan for your property. In order to sell your home quickly, it is imperative that the property receives maximum exposure. Where will the home be advertised? When will your home be included be in the national multi-list service? Will the sale of the property be promoted via the Internet? How often will the agent hold an open house? A selling agent that cannot readily answer these questions is likely only seeking the listing and does not have your best interests at heart. Pick a real estate selling agent with a REALTOR e-PRO ® designation that certifies that they are a professional with current training to harness the selling power of the Internet.
It’s wise to choose an agent backed by a professional team to assist you in achieving your real estate goals. An experienced Realtor will be able to suggest a knowledgeable and efficient title company, a reputable home inspector and any contractors or service providers you may need in readying your home for sale. Analyze the answers you receive to all your questions, and then narrow the field to two or three agents. Trust your intuition and choose a realtor with whom you feel comfortable and in whom you have confidence.