subject: Choosing The Best Real Estate Agent To Sell Your Home [print this page] If you are looking to sell your home or investment property, the real estate agent you choose can make a difference in the price that you receive for your home as well as the speed in which you close the deal. Thoroughly interviewing prospective real estate brokers is critical to make sure they will be a good fit for your needs. In addition to negotiating the sales commission, there are some important factors to consider when choosing a real estate agent.
A sense of urgency is imperative in the real estate business. It only takes one qualified buyer to make an offer on your house, so once a broker is selected, it is critical to get the house on the market ASAP. Look for an agent who returns your phone calls and emails promptly. This is an easy way to eliminate an inattentive agent before even setting up an interview.
During the initial interview, make sure that the agent provides records of comparative house listings and recent sales. You will want to be assured that they have done the research necessary to arrive at realistic asking price for your home. Pricing your property is probably one of the most important components of getting your house sold. Remember that the market dictates the value of your property and it is the broker's job to understand and convey the state of the market to you.
The actual sales price should not be agreed upon until the real estate agent has had an opportunity to view your property. Adjustments are very likely based on the actual condition of your home, which any responsible broker cannot accurately assess until having the opportunity to view the premises.
Is the broker familiar with your neighborhood? This is important to "sell" potential buyers. They will want to know details like the convenience of transportation, proximity of shopping, and the "feel" and culture of the neighborhood itself.
Personality is likely to be a critical factor when choosing a real estate agent. Make sure that you are comfortable communicating with this person openly and honestly, and that your broker listens to your concerns and ideas and addresses them adequately. You will probably need to work together extensively during this process, so don't choose someone that rubs you the wrong way, no matter their experience level.
A seller should not be shy about asking a potential listing agent for references. Nevertheless, keep in mind that no one is going to give you references from an unsatisfied client. Statistics on the broker's prior sales should also be taken into consideration; however, most real estate professionals have been affected to some degree by the current economic crisis and may not be showing the high sales stats that would have been common a few years ago.
Perhaps the most important aspect of selling a home is marketing, so interview brokers to find out how up to date they are about current marketing techniques and internet usage. How will the property be presented on the MLS listing, as well as other marketing sites? Does this broker utilize video presentations and multiple high-quality photos? Today's buyers are very savvy about the types and sources of information available. They expect detailed home listings to help them determine whether or not your house meets their criteria before requesting a showing of the home.
Finally, ask for an estimate of your seller closing costs to get a realistic estimate of how much money you should expect after the closing.
