How do I select a good real estate agent?
I understand it’s a slow market. I’ve had my house on the market for almost 60 days with no action. How do you select a good agent? What do you look for? Are there any websites to show real estate agents sales track record? In a slow market what is the best way to sell a home besides just waiting?
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June 30th, 2010 at 6:59 am
Go with a agent who has the experience in marketing and sold activity.
Ask the agent to produce actual sold’s for the past 2 years, ask what they are doing to market homes and ask for examples such as websites, visual tours, marketing materials and what they have sold in 2007.
Interview 3-4 agents and then make your choice.
A good agent should be selling 2-3 homes a month.
Good Luck
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:49 pm
I’d go with the agent who shares your strategy.
Every Realtor has seen houses that have been in the MLS over a month with one picture of the exterior and minimal description. That isn’t selling houses.
Some owners want open houses, where some Realtors have abandoned the open house as a waste of time.
A busy agent is sometimes too busy to take care of the details and the details are crucial to selling houses in this market. It’s not that they are bad agents, they aren’t because obviously they are busy, but some place the home in the MLS and wait for the home to sell.
Take a more proactive approach.
Ask your Realtor to see the MLS listing. Make sure everything is accurate and the pictures are good. Ask what is being done to market your property. What websites is your home on? Do you have a virtual tour? Is your price in line with other offerings in this price range? Do you need a home staging expert to come look at the property? Is the curb appeal there? How about an Open House? Has your agent mailed flyers anywhere?
These details separate the shop weary properties from those with a sold sign.
July 4th, 2010 at 7:41 am
Referrals from colleagues, friends, and family work best…..even then interviewing at least 3 agents is a great idea. I don’t know of a way to check on an agent’s track record without directly asking that agent for proof.
Go with an agent that will give your home good web exposure and some magazine/newspaper marketing. The most important item to address is realistic pricing…..Not even the best agent in the world will have much success if the home is grossly overpriced.
Lastly, I believe it very important that your agent be personable and likable. If their M.O. is this cutthroat, all business, shrewd disposition, they may not easily cooperate with buyers’ agents. Thus, they could turn off a bunch of prospective buyers.