Finding the right real estate agent to fit your needs is a crucial part of selling your home. You’re establishing a semi long-term relationship with your agent. It’s important that you not only trust the person you hire but also develop open and clear lines of communication. Furthermore, agents specialize in various types of properties and locations, so you’ll need an agent who is qualified to sell your type of home in your area. Here are some tips for finding the right agent.
Talk with friends, associates, family, and co-workers to see if they have recommendations. When the people you know trust a business professional, you arm yourself with testimony about the quality of service. Talking with an agent’s previous clients can help you gain insight into what to expect during your home-selling experience.
If your friends and associates don’t have an agent to refer, consider talking to other home sellers in your area to find out who they’re working with, and how the relationship is evolving. Although finding an agent through a search query may present concerns, search engines now offer ratings for businesses. Read the ratings and reviews posted by others to help you gauge whether or not an agent is right for you.
Regardless of how you come across an agent, it’s important that you verify that the agent is legally licensed to operate in your area. Research how long the real estate agent has been in business, and in which areas and property types they specialize. The agent you choose should have experience with selling houses similar to yours and in your location. When you believe you have your search narrowed down, ask questions before signing an agreement.
Ask the potential agent about their last six sales transactions. What was the original asking price? What was the final selling price? How long was the home on the market, and how many price reductions did the property experience? This information can be enlightening. Just because an agent suggests a particular selling price and all but guarantees a quick sale does not mean their track record supports their claims.
Along those same lines, ask the agent about the pricing strategy for your home. Your agent should provide you with a comprehensive market analysis (CMA) to compare houses for sale in your area that are similar to yours in style, size, and location.
You’ll also want to compare commission rates of real estate agents. Beware of rates that are too high or too low. Commission rates that are too low may signify inexperience or desperation whereas fees that are too high will cut into your bottom line. Look for agents who have reasonable commission rates.
Marketing is a large part of real estate success. Ask the agent what their plan is for marketing your property. Will there be an open house? Is the agent going to run ads promoting the home?
If you’re going to continue occupying the property during the sales process, ask your agent what you can expect regarding showings. You certainly don’t want to get an unannounced knock at your door when you’re not prepared.
Not many people ask in advance about the exit strategy if the relationship goes sour and doesn’t produce as expected. But most real estate agents have clauses in their contracts that prevent the seller from terminating the agreement. The agent does, however, have the ability to revise the contract according to terms that are agreeable to you both. Before you sign on the line, read the fine print and negotiate if needed.
Communication is a big deal. You want to know what’s going on along the way with the process of selling your house. It’s frustrating to call, text, or email an agent and a delayed response or no response at all. Inquire about communication methods and timelines.
While you’re interviewing potential real estate agents, you’ll also be getting a good idea about their personalities. It may seem silly to say, but it’s important that you like the character of the person with whom you’ll be working. If you feel the agent is too temperamental, closed off with answers, or is otherwise disagreeable, it’s best to find another agent. You want to feel valued as a client and treated respectfully.
Your real estate agent is the best source of information about the local community and real estate topics. Give VS International Properties a call today at 407-513-4722 to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.
