SELLERS
GUIDE STEP 2
- APPOINT AN AGENT
Not all agents work the same way. Not all have the same approach to real estate. Extremely important is to check not only the agent’s credibility, but also their integrity, character and personality.
You should ask the following questions ;
- Are they full time professionals or will they market my home part time
- Can they provide references that are fairly recent
- Are they concerned about your needs as a seller or only in making commission
- Are they local and therefore familiar with local market conditions and pricing
- Do they have an open,
transparent and friendly demeanour
- Does their office or company have a record of accomplishment – good teams are important
- Does their company have their own dedicated website for marketing
- Do they use other electronic media forums such as Facebook, Tumblr etc for marketing
- Do they freely share their professional expertise by means of a newsletter, Blog page etc
- Have they established a good network – are they well connected in the real estate industry
- Are they prepared to really listen to you and give proper and professional advice
- Do they, through their firm undergo regular intensive training
- Do they have a firm
policy and sharing with all other agents. This is very important as
some agents do not, rather trying to hog the full commission for
themselves. Or only sharing once they have failed and the property has
gone stale on the market.
In the current economic climate, we have had many people approaching us to sell their homes due to financial problems. While for some, it was the right decision, others we rather referred to Debt Counselling services. Although this meant not getting a mandate and therefore commissions it was the right advise for the intended seller. Do remember that we offer a specialised distressed property sale service.
It is this provision of proper advice and professional service that can make all the difference to a major decision in your life being either a wonderful event or a potential nightmare. Why not read our article on what makes our Property Network Agents different from the rest.
Also consider the following ;
- Moving out of town or even overseas? Then using an agent from Property Network ensures you have access to an international network that can take care of your needs from both ends with global accountability.
- If selling, ask the real estate agent how he or she would establish a listing price. Request a Comparative Market Analysis, also called a CMA, which shows the market value of similar homes in the area that are for sale or have recently sold. Many do not have access to this information or just thumbsuck
- Ask the agent how he or she would market your property. Understand that some agents may prefer to first tour your home and then put together a customized marketing plan to present at a later meeting. But if he or she can't suggest a strategy when asked, you might consider interviewing other candidates.
- Ask the agent how often you should expect to hear from him or her. Know how and when you will communicate to avoid unrealistic expectations.
- Pay attention to the agent's listening skills. Does he or she cut you off before you've finished a sentence? There's nothing worse than looking at houses you have no interest in because the real estate agent has not listened carefully to your needs, or having your home on the market too long because it's priced incorrectly and the wrong buyers are being targeted.
- Ask the agent what his or her fee structure is. Does he or she require a percentage of the sales price or work for a flat fee? Will the agent be paid another way?
Finally, remember your real estate agent is an authority you hire to help you make the right decisions, but you have the final word. Your residence is likely to be the biggest single investment you'll ever make. Buy and sell wisely.
Back to Seller Advice Centre Here
Ready to Sell? List your property today.
Meet our Property Professionals
View some Agent Testimonials
BE A REAL FRIEND
SHARE THIS WITH SOMEONE
