Selling Your Home? Get The Best Agent
Posted on: 11 July 2018
There's no shortage of real estate agents waiting to assist you in getting your home sold, but if you don't already have a favorite agent in mind, the hiring process can be overwhelming. Meeting agents at open houses is a common way to get help with selling real estate, but recommendations from friends are also helpful. Once you've rounded up a few potential candidates, you will want to evaluate them before you make a decision. Read on for some help in hiring the best agent to sell your home.
Question their experience and qualifications
Having a wonderful agent that has no experience selling homes in your area or price range may not be the best way to go. You get more than just marketing expertise with a local agent that's connected to the market in your area. They know not only what's selling right now and for what price, but they can advise you on numerous other aspects like appraisers and home inspection companies.
Some agents work only part-time, and while this is not inherently a bad thing, it may mean that you aren't getting their full attention. Part-time agents could mean that your home takes longer to sell, so consider that before you sign a contract.
Rapport is an undervalued aspect of hiring an agent and you must feel comfortable with the agent. Ask about communications so that there will be no misunderstandings about how often you can expect contact. Chances are, if you get good vibes from the agent, so will your potential buyers.
Ask for details
Expect to spend about a half an hour or so speaking with a prospective agent and limit yourself to no more than 2 or 3 to interview. It can get confusing and overwhelming if you interview more and you likely already have the list narrowed down to the best candidates, any one of which could be excellent.
Ask the agent about their sales expertise by getting details on specific home sales in the area with homes that are similar to your own home. If provided references, be sure to phone them and make inquiries about how long the home was on the market, communication with the agent, what the agent did to market the home, and their overall satisfaction with the agent.
Finally, make sure you understand how the agent will get paid. The commission plan should be explained in full; know what you might owe them if the home sells at your target price.
When all is said and done, you will probably have a tough choice since most agents are skilled and love their jobs, so go with the candidate that checks the boxes and that you trust to do a good job.
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