How to Choose a Real Estate Agent to Sell a House

Selling a home can be a grueling experience - and a good real estate agent can make the whole process a lot easier.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Recommendations

1. Ask for recommendations from people who have just sold a home in your area, or call a local real estate office and speak to the manager; ask the manager to recommend an agent who specializes in your type of property and community.

2. Invite the agent to your home for an introductory meeting. Since you will be spending a lot of time with this person, it's a good idea to establish trust and a solid working relationship early on.

3. Put together an information sheet that lists your home's features and best qualities, especially those that people might otherwise overlook. Give this to the agent, who can use the information to write an attractive listing to help sell your home.

4. Ask the agent how he or she would establish a price and promote your home.

5. If you are unsatisfied with the agent's plan or personality, graciously thank the agent for taking the time to meet with you, and repeat the process with another agent.

6. If you are happy with the agent, make a commitment to yourself to stick with him or her; it can be time-consuming to jump from agent to agent.

Tips & Warnings

• The real estate office can tell a lot about the agent you'll be working with. Is the office attractive and organized-looking? Is it easily accessible and open 7 days a week? Is the agency a member of a multiple-listing service - that is, are its listings available to all other agents and their buyers?
• Remember that the agent doesn't have the final word - you do. Don't let your agent pressure or hurry you into making careless decisions.

[celinajones]

on 11/11/2007 India's leading property site, with thousands of listings in all cities across India. You can buy, sell, lease and rent properties including flats, apartments, homes and commercial office space in India through our portal.

http://www.placidhomes.com

[CD56]

on 9/27/2007 The right agent for you is the agent that you like and trust. A Realtor most cetainly will have everything ready for you to sign on your first meeting...if it gets to that point. Realtors are professionals and should abide by the Code of Ethics'. You should ask the agent if they are a Realtor. For Sale by Owner's' are not 'hunted down' by inexperienced agents 'pushy for a quick sell'. What the previous member failed to say was that the comment posted was merely an opinion which arose from a negative experience. Not all agents and not all Realtors conduct their business in that fashion. I know this because I am living proof. I am a Realtor.

[ehowfan2007]

on 5/2/2007 Let me clarify living proof: I am the seller and my agent is using my photos for their marketing of my home and they are not profesional looking at all. My home is in most agents eyes satisfactory to the eye including curb appeal and price. The agent I have, held only 1 open house and it was only for the agents. House is now 150 estimated days on the market. Makes ya think don't it?

[ehowfan2007]

on 10/1/2007 I have reviewed a whopping number of agents before I chose one. The right agent will not be calling you when they see your ad "FOR SALE BY OWNER", don't fall for that call. The right agent won't have everything ready for you to sign on the first visit to your home. Think about this carefully. If an agent needs to hunt down sellers through "For Sale By Owner" ads, means the agent is not experienced enough, pushy for a quick sell, will not give the seller 100% work wise in marketing and selling your home.
I know this, because I am living proof, lol.

[abigail]

on 4/18/2007 Don't go with a friend just because they are a friend who happens to sell real estate. As usual, it turns out it's better not to mix business with pleasure if you really value the friendship!