When you want to sell your home, and have decided to enlist a real estate professional to help you, there are a few things you should know about your agent before signing the binding agreement.Experience is one factor but there is more to selling a home than finding an agent with years on the job.
The listing agent, (the sellers agent) is the one placing your property information on the MLS which is the nation wide database where all listings listed with a licensed Realtor will be shown. Some listing agents will do that, and nothing more, waiting for an agent to call with a prospective buyer.
How many homes has this agent sold? Many agents work part time, are new, or have had their license for a long time, but still do not have many sales. How many of the sales were as the sellers agent? Did the homes listed sell for the asking price, or a price close to the asking price? In other words, is this agent skilled in negotiations or will she quickly settle for a lower price to get the deal done? (And losing you a lot of money)
Real Estate agents are like the rest of us. Some do not have the confidence to ask for things as in negotiating the best deal for you. Some may just not have the skill or personality. Selling a house involves a large sum of money. You will want to know that your agent can and will negotiate well on your behalf.
Besides listing your property on the MLS, what are other marketing plans? Advertisements? Open houses? What?
The availability of your agent is yet another important consideration. Will he/she be available during evenings and weekends? How long before they respond to a call from you or a potential buyer? When negotiations are underway and there are time limits in the contract, having an unresponsive agent can sink your deal.
The personality of your agent is another important factor. A pessimistic, slow, unmotivated agent could kill your deal. Look for someone who is enthusiastic, willing to put in some effort, someone with a positive sunny disposition.
Don’t rush selecting your agent. You will be working with this person for many months, and canceling a contract may be difficult and or, costly. Take the time to know you have chosen a competent, positive agent that you will like working with.