When dealing with a large financial transaction, it’s best to get the assistance of a professional. Selling a home is no exception. An experienced, knowledgeable real estate agent is the key to getting your property sold. Choosing an agent from the list of available ones in your area may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! Check out these tips for choosing the right real estate agent when selling your home.
Where should I look?
Technology today allows you to bring up available agents in your area with just the click of a button. Use reviews from online sources to help you separate the good agents from the bad. Once you have a list of potential agents created, poll your friends and family for their opinions on who you should choose. Finding real world experiences to listen to from the people you trust can make all the difference and ensure you’re heading down the right path.
My brother is a real estate agent. Can’t I just have him help me?
The input offered from friends and family are important pieces to your decision-making process when narrowing down potential agents. But, it is a good idea to steer clear of using personal relationships in business matters dealing with significant financial investments. It can be hard to be upfront and honest with someone close to you. Having an unbiased professional on your side allows you to be honest about your needs as a seller without worrying about hurting anyone’s feelings. Avoid unnecessary strain on your relationships by choosing an agent who doesn’t have personal ties to you and your home.
What kind of real estate agent do I choose?
Not all homes are created equal, and as such, not all agents are the same. You want to select an agent who is an expert in selling your style of home. An agent who is accustomed to handling high-end luxury properties might not be the best fit for a modest country home. Find someone who knows the ins and outs of your neighborhood. A buyer is more likely to trust and purchase a home from an agent who can answer all their questions and concerns about a property.
I found one I like. What now?
Even with rave reviews, some agents just don’t meet your expectations once you finally meet them. Before you put all your eggs in one basket, take some time to set up an interview with any potential agents you are considering. Create a list of questions and concerns you should go over during the meeting. Poll them about their experience with your home type, their marketing tactics, and how many homes they sell on a regular basis. What works for one seller might not work for another, and the only way to be sure you’re finding an agent whose ideals align with your own is by talking with them in person.
I called twice, but they haven’t returned my call. Should I call again?
If an agent is hard to get in touch with, it’s time to move on to your next option. If you are finding it difficult to exchange words with an agent, imagine how potential buyers must be feeling. A reliable real estate responds to calls promptly. A trustworthy agent provides their clients with several methods of communication in case they are needed.
They promised to sell my house in 5 days. Isn’t that awesome?
Be wary of agents who offer promises that sound too good to be true. Often, those promises are just flashy attention grabbers and bear no weight on the speed of your transaction. The real estate market is an ever-changing field, so it’s unrealistic to expect homes to sell in super-fast time frames. A trustworthy agent will be honest and realistic with their timeline estimates. When things get stressful, and decisions get tough, you’ll be glad you have an agent who can offer straight up advice without the mask of rainbows.
Once I find an agent, I just let them handle everything?
Your real estate agent is there to handle all the dirty work that comes along with selling a home. But, that doesn’t mean you need to stand back and do nothing. You are the seller, and the final decision making falls in your lap. Be upfront with your agent from the beginning and request to stay as informed as possible during the home selling process. They will handle the planning and paperwork, but as a seller, it is a good idea to stay in the information loop at all times.
What if I decide they don’t meet my needs?
Sometimes the agent you thought was an incredible asset proves to be not so great. Avoid any awkward encounters or frantic searching for an exit strategy by making sure you are familiar with how to exit your contract with the agent from the start. Knowing what you need to do to sever ties before you need to act will alleviate stress if the time comes that you need to use it.
Your real estate agent is the best source of information about the local community and real estate topics. Give KAD and Co. Signature Properties a call today at 484-234-2341 to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.
