How to Choose a Seller's Agent
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Ask for recommendations from people who have just sold a home in your area, or call a local real estate office and ask the manager to recommend an agent who specializes in your type of property and community.
- Visit a few offices.The real estate office itself can tell a lot about the agents you may end up working with. Is the office attractive and organized-looking? Is it easily accessible and open 7 days a week? Is the agency a member of a multiple-listing service - that is, are its listings available to all other agents and their buyers?
- Invite the prospective agent to your home for an introductory meeting. Since you will be spending a lot of time with this person, it's a good idea to establish trust and a solid working relationship early on.
- Put together an information sheet that lists your home's features and best qualities, especially those that people might otherwise overlook. Give this to the agent, who, if hired, can later use the information to write an attractive listing to help sell your home.
- Interview several prospects, and ask each to clearly outline to you in writing what their marketing plan will be for your property. Ask the agent how he or she would establish a price and promote your home. Compare the analyses and get a realistic range for your selling price.Don’t fall for overenthusiastic, inflated estimates.
- If you interview an agent and are unsatisfied with his or her plan or personality, merely thank the agent for taking the time to meet with you, and repeat the process with another agent.
- Choose the agent who can offer you the services you need, and with whom you feel comfortable. In general, the more experienced the agent is, the better knowledge and tools they’ll have to sell your house.
- Discuss and be clear about what is expected of you and what is expected of the agent as you begin the joint process of selling your property. Get everything in writing!