When you’re preparing to list your house for sale, you must find the right real estate agent for the job.
A qualified real estate agent will help you prepare to list your home and guide you on how to stage your house for sale.
Then, he or she will help you price the home competitively, market the house aggressively, negotiate for you assertively, and close the deal in a reasonable time — and for the highest possible price, all while making you feel at ease.
Where can I Find the Right Real Estate Agent?
Real estate agents differ not only in personalities but also in their qualifications and certifications. There are different types of real estate agents.
There are buyer’s agents and a seller’s agents, and some certifications give real estate agents the respected title of Realtor®, which means the agent has gone the extra miles to gain knowledge and experience through NAR®, the National Association of Realtors®.
When you’re listing your house for sale, your goal is to locate a seller’s agent.
The first step in your search for the perfect real estate agent is to ask your friends, family members, and associates who they’d recommend. But if you don’t know anyone who has recently sold a home, turn your attention to the Internet.
Google, Facebook, and other online resources make it easy to find a list of real estate agents, especially since they tailor search results to your location, so you can find an agent who works in your area.
Check out their client ratings and read the reviews left by others.
Another smart way to find a qualified seller’s agent is to tour houses for sale in your area or to look for “for sale” signs where an agent’s name appears more than once, and a “sold” sign is the icing on the cake.
Another benefit to touring houses for sale is that you get a realistic idea of what the asking prices are in your community, what condition the properties are in, and how similar they are to yours.
When you tour open houses, you have an opportunity to meet the agent face to face. This personal encounter allows you to get an idea of how they communicate and how they conduct their business.
If you come across an agent with whom you have good rapport, ask for a business card or schedule an interview meeting.
Interview at Least Three Real Estate Agents
It’s wise to interview at least three real estate agents to find the best agent for you.
Interviewing three agents allows you to assess what they have in common and what traits set them apart from the others.
For example, when you ask the agents how to price your home, you may receive three completely different answers, or you may find that two are similar. In contrast, the third agent may have either inflated the sales price or has underestimated your home’s value.
The same is true with real estate agent commissions; they’re not all the same. But beware of the agent who prices his or her services too low.
A low commission rate might signify that they’re new to the industry or desperate for work. The lowest rate is not always the best option.
Another benefit to interviewing at least three agents is that you have an opportunity to have extended conversations to see how the agents answer your questions — and whether your personalities vibe.
You’re going to be working closely with your agent, likely for several months. In this sense, you’re entering into a semi-long relationship. It’s crucial to find an agent who is an expert in your area, but who also makes you feel relaxed, comfortable, and confident.
20 Questions to Ask in a Real Estate Agent Interview
- How long have you been a seller’s agent?
- Are you a full-time agent, or do you work part-time?
- Do you work with a team? If so, who is going to be my primary point of contact?
- How do you communicate with your clients?
- What experience do you have selling homes in my immediate area?
- What should I expect in working with a real estate agent?
- What certifications do you have, or what is your specialty?
- How many sales do you close each year?
- How many sellers do you work with at a time?
- Ask for a list of the agent’s recent sales. Compare the asking prices to sales prices and look for how many times prices dropped.
- How long are houses for sale in this area typically on the market?
- What’s the average sales price for houses in my area?
- How long does it take to close on a home?
- How would you price my home? (Agents should provide you with a comprehensive market analysis, a report that shows data about recently sold homes in your area)
- What is the marketing plan for selling my house?
- What kind of disclosures should I receive, and when?
- Ask to view the seller’s agent’s contract.
- What options do I have if the services aren’t satisfactory?
- Is there a penalty for canceling the contract?
- What is your fee? Are there additional fees for marketing, MLS listing, or other costs that aren’t included in the commission rate?
Additional Things to Look for In a Real Estate Agent
Notice how real estate professionals answer your questions. And trust your gut. You’ll naturally resonate with some people over others, so pick an agent whose personality you like.
Choose a real estate agent who is not afraid to negotiate on your behalf.
It’s also essential to work with an agent who is up-to-date with modern technology, and in touch with social media to provide contemporary ways to market your house for sale.
When you ask agents about their communication methods, make sure you choose an agent who communicates on your time table and by your preferred mode, such as text messages, emails, phone calls, and how quickly you expect replies.
Request a list of references from each agent that you can contact, and then follow through. Talking with an agent’s past clients can help you rest assured that you’re choosing an agent with good work ethics and a solid track record.
You may also choose to ask agents about their involvement with your community, such as volunteer work, donations, church programs, or other ways they’re infused in your area. This information gives you an idea of an agent’s character, but it also indicates their knowledge of the surrounding areas.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal real estate agent takes a bit of research. Begin by asking for recommendations from people you know. Next, take your search online to read ratings and reviews.
Be prepared to interview at least three agents, so you have a good idea about what each brings to the table. When the agents provide references, call each one.
Work with an agent who understands the importance of digital marketing and has a solid plan for marketing your property.
Beware of the agent who promises a sales price that sounds too good to be true or offers the lowest commission rate. These could be red flags.
Be clear about your agent’s services and what you can expect throughout the sales process.
Most importantly, choose an agent with whom you feel relaxed, comfortable, and confident.
JJK Home Network is the best source of information about the local community and real estate topics. Give JJK Home Network a call at 314-258-1296 or 618-691-0547 to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.