Seller's Information
Listing and selling a home is hard work. It can also be stressful. That's why picking the right agent to handle your home sale can make the difference between a mildly disruptive experience and a hair-raising nightmare.Sellers who don't already have an agent often interview several agents before selecting one to represent them in their home sale. Interviewing agents can be enlightening, but it can also be confusing. How do you know who to trust?
Credibility is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting an agent. A trustworthy agent is one you can count on to do the job and do it well. He or she is sensitive to other's needs and does not act purely out of self-interest. He or she is committed to giving quality service. A trustworthy agent is reliable, steady and dependable. He or she is open and innovative, never dogmatic or rigid.One of the best ways to find such an agent is to ask for recommendations from acquaintances that sold recently. If you're interviewing agents who weren't referred to you, be sure to ask for recommendations.
The most informative recommendations come from an agent's most recent clients. Ask for their names and phone numbers. Find out what these sellers liked about working with the agent and if they would hire him or her again. Ask if there was anything they didn't like about the agent's work habits or ethics. Be sure to find out how the agent got along with the other parties in the transaction.When you list your home for sale with an agent, that agent will represent you in dealings with the numerous players involved in the transaction: the buyers, their agents, attorneys, inspectors and lenders, to name a few. Select an agent who works well with everyone. Avoid agents with over-inflated egos or other personality problems. A successful real estate transaction depends on good communication between all the parties involved.
Good listing agents help sellers get their homes ready for sale. They suggest items in your home that might need attention and they know tradespeople who can do the work. They can advise you on which inspections to order before marketing your home.In addition to checking out the agent, find out about the agent's company. Does it have a good reputation? Can the company provide maximum exposure for your property?
FIRST-TIME TIP: Although it's tempting to list with the agent who tells you that he or she can sell your home for the highest price, this shouldn't be the over-riding consideration. Pricing residential real estate is not an exact science. In most cases, there's a range of market value for a home.
