Look, entering a real estate transaction can be daunting. Especially during these times. And, it does not really matter which side of the transaction you find yourself on, the fact that so much legality goes into the process along with pages upon pages of paperwork nearly places a barrier between you (as a buyer or seller) and obtaining your goal.
Not to mention the fact that you’ll need representation that definitely knows the market and understands your goals for the deal and it can seem like choosing an agent is nearly impossible.
Currently, there are more than thousands of homes for sale! And, to achieve success in selling your home here are some things to look for in a real estate agent so that you’ll get the best representation and provide yourself the best chance at success.
Ask for a local referral: If you have been in your home for any length of time you have no doubt acquired friends who can give you referrals. Speak with them and ask who they are using or who they used and also ask about their experience with the agent they used. With the number of homes for sale being what it is you may find that you have a huge number of referrals therefore be sure to obtain as many details as possible so that you’ll be able to make a few quick decisions to eliminate agents who might not be a perfect match for you.
By all means be certain to think about the source when somebody recommends a relative and base your call on track record. Do not feel obligated to use anyone. This is your transaction and your experience.
Make sure that the person you hire knows how to market and sell. Take Arizona for example… with nearly 50k agents in the Phoenix area alone, you may notice that the majority do not understand marketing, most don’t have any real sales experience, and doesn’t understand what it takes to generate interest in your property.
A very easy way to see your agent’s marketing ability level is to ask to look at all the forms of marketing that can be used. This includes print and online methods. Look for an agent who leads with a benefit! I cannot stress this enough. Most agents lead with a sales pitch or some spiel about their own credentials. And, while it’s important to have an agent who is qualified. You must keep in mind that in 99% of the cases, your potential buyer will not care who your agent is! Your buyer cares about their own needs. Your buyer cares about the lifestyle your community offers, the schools their kids will attend, and the convenience or advantages of living where you currently live!
Remember, you make the final decision on the asking price. However, do yourself a favor, and be realistic with your asking price. You do not want your home to stay on the market for six months and eventually need to sell it for less than 100k because everyone thinks there is something wrong with the house.
Another great article by Deborah Murphy Real Estate, Prudential Jack White/Vista RE
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