How To Find A Real Estate Agent – Sellers

You are going to want to interview at least three (3) real estate professionals.  Just because your family or friend(s) loved their agent, does not mean you may feel the same once you start working with them.  Interview a couple and see how you feel.  You will want to find someone who presents a marketing plan that you are happy with, someone who you are comfortable with, someone you trust!!!

 

ASK QUESTIONS:

 

How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job?

While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate — like many other professions — is mostly learned on the job.

 

How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year?

By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the agent has.

 

What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home?  

This is a biggie!!   The agent should  have a marketing plan.    The two of you should review it together and decide if there is anything that you don’t want to do.  OR, if the plan doesn’t include something that you would like—– ask them what can be done to put this particular form of advertisement into your contract.   They should be able to explain to you why the use or don’t use a particular form of advertisement.   Your marketing plan should be tailored to fit your needs.

 

Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction?

While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the agents obligations lie. Your REALTOR® should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.

 

Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done?

Because REALTORS® are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Agents should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.

 

What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you?

Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.

 

What’s your business philosophy?

While there’s no right answer to this question, the response will help you assess what’s important to the agent and determine how closely the agent’s goals and business emphasis mesh with your own.

 

How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently?

Again, this is not a question with a correct answer, but how you judge the response will reflect your own desires. Do you want updates twice a week or do you prefer not to be bothered unless there’s a hot prospect? Do you prefer phone, e-mail, or a personal visit?