Choosing a Real Estate agent to help you sell your home involves a bit more than just calling a Realtor and signing a contract with them. There are many factors and aspects about selling a home, the amount of time on the job is only one and should not necessarily be the deciding factor.
The listing agent, (the sellers agent) is the one placing your property information on the MLS which is the nation wide database where all listings listed with a licensed Realtor will be shown. Some listing agents will do that, and nothing more, waiting for an agent to call with a prospective buyer.
How many properties has you agent sold? Was he/she the sellers agent, or the buyers agent? How many properties were sold at, or near, the asking price when agent acted as sellers agent? That is an important question. Some agents will prompt you to reduce the price substantially when negotiating with the buyer. That can mean you lose a lot of money, but it is a quick sale and fast commissions for the agent.
Some agents have a challenge negotiating with the buyers agent. Some do not have the skill, or the confidence to act on your behalf and get the best price for you. In a transaction involving a substantial amount of money you will want someone skilled and knowledgeable about bargaining and negotiating.
Besides listing your property on the MLS, what are other marketing plans? Advertisements? Open houses? What?
Is your potential agent available seven days a week? Amazingly, some agents do not work, nor return calls on the weekends. Weekends tend to be the busiest time in real estate… What will be the average response time? This can be crucial not only when a new potential buyer makes contact, but also during negotiations when time is of the essence due to contract expiration’s.
The personality of your agent is important as well. Is he/she upbeat and easy to talk with? Is she enthusiastic and optimistic? Is she interested in putting in some effort to get this deal completed? Or is she pessimistic, cautious and unmotivated
An agent should be chosen with care. All contracts have a time limit, and you could be forced to stay with an agent for months. Make sure it is an agent you like, trust and find competent.
