Everything you need to know when selecting the right Listing Agent for the Sale of your Home

Two things home seller’s look for when selecting a listing agent is:

1. Who suggests the highest price for your home; and
2. Who will take accept the lowest commission?

Selecting an agent based on these two things are two of the biggest mistakes you can make!

First things First – Pricing Your Home

A Real Estate Agent cannot tell you how much your home will sell for. The agent does not create the value of your home, the market does. An agent will show you comparable homes sales in the area and suggest a price to attract buyers, but ultimately you choose the sales price. The market and potential buyers will decide if the price is right.

Ideally, you will get an offer(s) within the first three weeks of listing your home. If the home is priced right, you’ll get an offer. It’s important to remember, pricing is a skill.

You may be intrigued to price your home higher than what you know it’s worth, in hopes of negotiating with potential buyers to agree on a lower price, however, pricing your home too high will cause you far more problems than pricing it at its fair market value. If the price is too high, buyers will avoid your home, and you will eventually end up reducing the price, leaving buyers wondering if something is wrong with your house.

Agent Commission

When discussing Agent Commissions, you should ask yourself, Why would an agent willingly work for less than competitors? There is always a reason why an agent would discount their services. A low commission could be the only thing that that agent feels they bring to the table. They may be desperate or unqualified and work cheap to get business. Do you want to work with an agent If that agent’s only able to stand apart from the competition is to accept a low commission?

What Characteristics to look for in a Good Listing Agent

You can expect to work with your listing agent for a month or two, sometimes longer. Choose an agent you like and can trust.

Here are some of the characteristics you should look for:

1. Good communicator – communication is key in all aspects of selling your home.
2. Negotiation skills. You want an aggressive negotiator, not somebody out to make a quick sale at your expense.
3. Networking. Agent’s who network and build relationships – Your home may sell quicker because your agent has contacted other agents.
4. Honesty. You should trust your agent, after all, they will be handling one of your largest assets.

What is your marketing approach and plan for selling my home?

It’s essential to know what steps your agent plans to take to market your home before you hire them. Online and offline marketing will be critical to the success of selling your home.

 

• Will a professional photographer be hired to take photos?  Great photography essential to having your home stand out from the crowd.
• Will there be a video made of your home?
• What types of marketing materials will be used? i.e. Just listed postcards; signage; property website, etc.

 

Make sure there is a clear and aggressive marketing plan in place that you feel confident will help create interest in your home from potential buyers.

When selecting the right Real Estate Agent to list your home, it is prudent that you take the time to know everything an agent has to offer, do not get drawn into a low commission or the highest list price. So there you have it Everything you need to know when selecting the right Listing Agent for the Sale of your Home

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