How to Choose a Real Estate Listing Agent

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By Kathymcbain
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Real Estate Listing Agent

The time has come to sell your house and you need to choose a real estate listing agent to handle the listing. There are lots of agents out there and you want to make sure that you choose the best possible agent who will always be honest with you, will work hard to find you a buyer, and will look out for your best interests. All real estate agents are not created equal! Follow these tips and choose a great listing agent.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Chances are that you know someone who is a real estate agents...do not use your this person just because you know them! If you are serious about selling your house, make sure that you hire the best agent and not choose someone simply because you know them.
Step 2

Start by looking at listings in your area. If you go to google and type in "your city MLS" chances are that you'll be able to search the entire Multiple Listing Service. As you look at houses on the market, see what agents seem to have listings similar to yours. What houses stand out to you as you look and what agents are listing them? If you feel they are doing a good job marketing other homes, you may want to put them on your list of agents to talk to.
Step 3

Ask friends and family who have used a listing agent for recommendations and about their experience with their listing agent.
Step 4

Once you've narrowed your list down to a handful of agents that you'd like to talk to, it's time to start making calls. Set up interviews with each agent. Tell them that you'd like to get a comparable market analysis on your home as well as a listing presentation.
Step 5

As you meet with the agents, pay close attention to what type of marketing they will do for your home. Any agent can place your home in magazines - which is important, but look for agents that have innovative and different marketing techniques. You also want an agent who will hold open houses. Find out from the agent about his/her past sales. You want an agent who is getting as close to 100% of the listing price on homes that he's listed and sold as possible. This tell you two things: First, he's encouraging homeowners to list at the right price and second, he's negotiating good deals for his clients.
Step 6

Find out how much experience your potential agent has. You probably don't want someone brand new, but you may not want an agent that has 50 other listings either.
Step 7

Ask your agent about his/her certifications and education. A good designation for agents today is e-pro since so much marketing is now done on the internet. If you are selling a "green" home you may want to look for an eco-broker, this is an agent that has specialized knowledge in eco friendly homes. Certifications and education also show you how serious an agent is about their profession.
Step 8

Do not be tempted to hire the agent that gives you the highest listing price for your home. If one agent tells you he can sell your house for much more than all the others you talk to, chances are that he either doesn't really understand market conditions or he's not being honest with you.
Step 9

An agent may tell you things that you don't want to hear about your home or what you may want to consider doing for a successful sale may be the right agents, as long as he does to tactfully. This shows honesty and that is extremely important. You want an agent who is willing to be honest with you no matter what.
Step 10

See how well respected your agent is in the community and if possible, with other agents. Unfortunately, there are agents who will not go out of their way to show the homes of agents who they don't like or who have a poor reputation. You want to have an agent who is well-respected among his peers and spends time networking with them.
Step 11

Choose an agent who knows your area. Just because an agent sells lots of houses across town doesn't mean that he'll be successful selling your house! You want an agent who has an understanding of your specific location.
Step 12

Choose an agent who you feel comfortable working with. This person will be helping you negotiate the sale of what may be your most valuable asset and you want someone who you feel comfortable talking to and can be open with.