One of the most important steps in selling a home involves choosing the right realtor. Since the sale of your home is a business transaction, making this choice should not be an impulsive or emotional decision but should be well thought out. Here are some pitfalls to avoid when deciding which realtor to work with.
Interview several realtors. Do not choose the first realtor who makes a presentation but take some time to weigh the pros and cons of each one.
Do not make a snap judgment because you feel you are a good judge of character. Ask the realtor for several recent references and check to see how these clients feel about their experience in working with this realtor.
Paying a lower commission is not necessarily the best road to take. All of us - no matter what we do for a living - will work the hardest for those who pay us the most money. Consequently, full service agents will be more motivated to give you better service since they have more incentive. Since there are usually two agents involved in the sale of a home - one for the seller and one for the buyer - if the commission for the buyer's agent is also reduced, he or she will have less incentive to show your home.
Some sellers price their homes too high and will not listen to reason from a broker who is knowledgeable about the market value for their homes. They will then decide to sign an agreement with an agent who agrees with their selling price - regardless of how unrealistic it is. New listings get the most attention from other agents and will be shown if the asking price is appropriate. If the price is too high, your house will not be shown.
After being on the market for some time, you will finally have to reduce the price to reflect its true market value. When buyers see a home that has been listed for some time and was dropped from its original asking price, they may view you as a desperate seller and you may wind up ultimately selling your property for less than you would have received if appropriately priced when it was initially placed on the market.
The company is as important as the agent since larger organizations usually have larger budgets and are able to spend more money on advertising so that there ads in the newspaper are highly visible. They also have a larger team of agents who may become familiarized with your home. Most states require real estate agents to keep abreast of changes in the market by enrolling in continuing education classes. However, larger companies may offer more education and require their agents to go beyond the bare minimum needed.
The best realtor for you is one with whom you can establish a good rapport. He or she should effectively market your home and have the ability and desire to sell it for you at the best possible price.
