Real estate is a competitive business with multiple agents all trying to get a piece of the local pie. That’s a good thing as long as competition motivates them to offer top-notch service that satisfies clients. As a seller, you deserve an agent who will always put your best interests first.
Choosing a listing agent who will truly watch out for you is a matter of asking the right questions. Below are the five most important questions you should ask along with the kinds of answers you should be looking for. Getting all the right answers from an agent should put that individual at the top of your list of choices.
1. How much is my home worth?
It’s always a good idea to contact at least three or four listing agents before agreeing to work with one. Ask each of them how much your home is worth. An estimate that seems unusually high compared to the others may indicate an agent is overestimating in order to convince you your home is worth more than it is. A price that seems unusually low could be a sign of an inexperienced listing agent who does not understand the market.
2. How many clients are you currently working with?
The best listing agents in the business will have a steady stream of clients to keep them busy. However, an agent currently juggling a dozen or more properties may not be capable of giving your home the attention it needs. You need to find the right balance between the business that comes with success and the need to give your home as much attention as possible.
3. What are your most effective marketing strategies?
It is no longer enough to market a home simply by running a classified ad and putting a photo in the Saturday newspaper. The successful listing agent takes advantage of all sales and marketing channels, including print and broadcast media, online listings, and even social media. A good listing agent also understands the target audience for a given house and the best ways to reach that audience.
4. Has your agency evolved over the years?
A listing agent associated with a highly successful agency will be able to explain how that agency has evolved over the years. What you are really looking for is how well the agency has adapted to technology. One that is still stuck in the 1980s or 90s is not likely to be too helpful.
5. Are you willing to negotiate your fee?
The point of this last question is to simply gauge whether a listing agent will give you a straight answer with no beating around the bush. If he says yes, you may save a little money. But that’s not the point. You are looking for a straightforward answer that comes without hesitation. A listing agent who does hesitate is trying to figure out what the customer wants to hear rather than simply being forthright and honest.
The post How to Choose a Listing Agent for Your Home appeared first on Charles D'Agostino - 516-721-8885.
