Whether or not you’re a first-time house seller, you the process is going to be less than simple. No wonder most people would rather list with a real estate agent. But even with most sellers thinking it’s an advantage to work with a real estate agent, more than 65{58e281ace639831ddb6d8687333e7c2b02e87c7c548a0119c43312a5ff3c7894} say it’s challenging to find a good one.
If you’re on the hunt for a real estate agent, here are tips to help you out:
Check out the local housing market yourself.
Drive or walk around your area and be on the lookout for repeat agent names on real estate signs, especially those with a “sold” sign next to them! Research says, six percent of sellers find their agents through for-sale signs, while 15{58e281ace639831ddb6d8687333e7c2b02e87c7c548a0119c43312a5ff3c7894} hire someone based on local familiarity and recognition.
Speak to an agent personally at an open house.
Visit an open house in your area and take note of how the agent interacts with potential buyers. Actually, spend time talking with the agent instead of just grabbing their card and leaving. Get a feel for their personality and how it blends with yours.
Search real estate agents online. Do a quick name search for those agents on your shortlist, get some details and most importantly, check out reviews. You want to know what people are saying about them. Also, observe how they react to negative reviews.
Ask for referrals.
Nothing comes close to personal referrals from trusted people – friends, family, co-workers, or what have you. But don’t be happy with the first agent who seems nice. By speaking with many, you can make comparisons and see who’s really the right one for you.
Ask good questions.
How long is your experience as a real estate agent? As you mostly working with buyers or sellers? What is your workload at a time? Do you work independently or do you have a firm? Are you equipped to deal with my specific situation? How do you intend to market my house? Will you be able to connect me with some references?
Discuss the selling strategy to be used. Ascertain that you and your potential are consistent when it comes to their selling strategy. How many showings do you intend to do? How long is the lead time prior to a showing? And open houses? How is the property going to be marketed?
Iron out all the critical details.
The most beneficial agent-seller relationships are those with crystal clear expectations. In writing, make it a point that you’ve both agreed upon the commission structure and list price, as well as on the contract duration. You don’t want problems just when the deal is ready for closing or even after.
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