Selecting a realtor
Scroll through the Yellow Pages of any community in the United States,
and you'll see the names of dozens - if not hundreds or thousands - of
real estate agents available to list
your home.
In fact, given the number of choices, you may wonder if you can find someone
with the right blend of skills and experience for you.
Selecting a realtor isn't just a matter of blind luck, however. Follow
these easy tips to help you narrow your choices:
Find some likely candidates.
- Scan advertisements in the
newspaper, cable TV, billboards and the Internet. Look at the messages
each agent is sending. Do you like the philosophy she promotes? Does he specialize
in selling the type of home you own? Is her sales record impressive?
- Drive
around your community and check the names on "for sale" signs. Agents
with multiple listings probably have a good sales record. But don't necessarily
discount the names that appear less frequently. A new agent, for instance,
may possess fewer listings but more time to spend marketing your house.
- Talk
to friends or neighbors who've recently sold. Find out how long their
house took to sell, what they liked about their agent and why.
Interview your "A" list.
Schedule appointments with the top two or three agents. After you show each
one the house, ask him or her:
- How many homes have you sold in the last year?
- How many are you currently listing?
- What experience do you have selling in my community?
- How will you market my home? Typically, agents will
use a variety of means, including advertising, the Multiple Listing
Service and open houses.
- What type of representation do you provide? Depending
on the state you live in, the agent may represent the buyer, the
seller, or work as a neutral third party.
- What is your typical fee and what does it include?
Most agents will cover any advertising costs, but be sure to ask
up front. Most also will not collect any fees unless and until your house
is sold.
- What is the minimum length of time you will list my
home? Many agents will want at least a six-month contract.
- How much do you want to list my house for? Some agents
may not give you an estimate until several days later. Make
sure each one has completed a comparative market analysis in your community
so that the price reflects prevailing rates.
Make your decision.
Compare your notes on each candidate, looking for someone that you're comfortable
with, has the relevant experience and seems confident he or she can sell your
home. Invite your top choice back, sign the paperwork and start looking forward
to the day you can move. |
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