How to find the Best Real Estate Agent to Sell Your House

For most people buying or selling your home is probably the largest financial decision you will make. Take the right steps to hire the absolute best agent to represent you. Don't leave it to chance. Ask the right questions.

Instructions

1. 

   Selling your home for most people is the biggest financial decision they will make. Finding the right Real Estate Agent for the job is vital. Don't chose a friend or distant relative just so you are not embarrassed. Make sure they have the right stuff to sell your home for the highest price in the shortest time. Hopefully it is your friend. But ask them the same things and treat it like a business decision.

2. 

   Ask a Realtor How long they have been selling Real Estate. Remember you are actually interviewing them for the job of selling your house. You will be hiring them. I recommend someone who has been a full time agent for at least 2 years. The real estate industry has a high turn over rate. It rivals fast food workers. More than 80% according to the National Association of Realtors quit before 2 years. You don't want to be the learning curve.

3. 

   Do they have the designation of Realtor? They must be members of the local, State, and National Association of Realtors to use the Realtor R. This means they have agreed to a code of conduct and professionalism. This is vital in my opinion in populated areas. In small towns with only one or two brokerages it is not as vital, as they don't need local listing networks to know all the houses for sale.

4. 

   Are they full time? Call them when they are not expecting it. Do they answer the phone or return calls in a timely manner? If they don't answer or call back your message reliably, they are not getting other agents messages who want to show your home quickly either...

5. 

   Do they have a specialty? Mostly Condos? Mainly resort property? New construction? In my old office we even had an agent who specialized in homes that were wheel chair accessible. He had worked with disabled youth before, and had good community contacts. If a home was listed with a wheel chair ramp, every agent made sure he knew about it, as he was probably going to bring the buyer.

6. 

   Ask to see flyers of the last 10 homes they have sold. If they have not sold that many keep interviewing others. New agent enthusiasm may help, but experience in marketing and contracts is vital.

7. Lastly are they a buyers agent or a sellers agent most often. Many agents are great working with buyers, but don't know how to properly market your home. Others are solely listing agents that are great at marketing for the highest interest and price, but lack the people skills a buyer needs. Some can balance both well, or have a team that fill different roles. It is an important subject that the public rarely thinks of. Good Luck. The right agent for the job is out there. Don't be afraid to ask all your questions before signing up with anyone. make it a sound, informed, business decision.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need a good agent some of the links above this or to the left will get you in touch with someone.