Choosing a selling agent, or listing agent, to handle the sale of your home is a big decision. You want an agent that can sell your home quickly for what you want for it. It is important to shop around when looking for an agent. You are looking for an agent that is familiar with yoru neighborhood. This often translates into an agent that has a nearby office. You want someone that uses current marketing techniques, include the Internet, e-mail and mass mailings. You also should look for an agent that has a list of clients that can provide recommendations. There are several ways to start your search. The first way is to simply ask your friends, family and neighbors who they have used and their experiences. You want someone who is established in your neighborhood with a good reputation among homeowners and other agents. Flip through your local newspaper and look for real estate ads that appeal to you. Most agents willist their neighborhood specialities in their ads, which is helpful in your search. Look at the homes in the ad. Are they similar to yours? Would your home sell among them? Drive through your neighborhood looking at for sale signs. Is there one agent that has more than the others? Chances are that that particular agent really caters to the neighborhood. The agent that spends a lot of time in your area is one you want to interview. Take the time to look at the Web sites of the agents you are interest in. Do you like the listings and the site? Can you easily find a home you are looking for? Don't waste your time filling out the online fields of information that are required before you view homes or gain access to the site. These agents don't get as many viewers of their listings as others do. Look for agents that have useful information on their site. School data, area information and relocation details can bring a lot of buyers to a site. Sit down and think of questions you want to ask the agent. Schedule an interview. Be prepared to ask and answer questions. You want to talk with several agents before you make a decision. The most basic question are: - How do you come to a selling price for a home?
- How will you market my home?
- How will we communicate and how often?
- Do you have references?
Agents that arrive with area market information are good ones. Those that know the other homes in the neighborhood that are competition are also good agents. They are prepared. They know the area and are working hard for your business.Make sure you shop around. You will have to sign a listing agreement that gives the agent the exclusive to sell your home. This can be anywhere between three to 12 months. Six months is probably a good amount of time to sign up for. It gives the agent time, but gives you an earlier option of finding a different agent if things don't work out. |
