How to Select Your Agent
Choosing your agent is one of the most important decisions you will make when selling your home. As you begin your search, your own neighbourhood is the best place to start. Drive around, and look at the “For Sale” signs to identify agents that are selling homes.
Once you have collected names, conduct some research online. Check out the agents listings to see if they are marketing properties that are in a similar neighbourhood or price range to yours. Since the first time that many buyers see properties is online, agents should have a strong Internet presence. Also, review your local newspapers and magazines to see which realtors are advertising in these media.
Select several candidates and meet with them all. Ask questions about how they would market your home, as well as the amount of promotion and open houses they would plan to have. Learn about how many listings the realtor® currently has. If the agent has many listings, be cautious as to how much effort he or she might be able to dedicate to your home. Ask the candidate about how he or she has performed in your neighbourhood and price range. Some agents specialize in high-end properties, and tend to dedicate more of their time and resources to these more expensive homes.
All agents, regardless of whether you have hired them, should be able to provide you with an estimate on a listing price for your home. The agent will analyze the selling prices and final sales of comparable properties in your area, as well as identify market conditions that might impact your price.
An agent should ask you a number of pertinent questions, such as why you have decided to sell your home, and when you hope to sell it. He or she should review your financial situation with you. The realtor® should also provide a thorough outline of the selling process. The person should tour your home, and offer suggestions to make the home more presentable to buyers.
Your choice of agent will impact upon how quickly your home sells, and at what price. Make the right choice for what could be a happy, ongoing relationship.