How to Find the Right Agent to Sell My Home
The decision to sell your home is the result of a significant amount of reflection and consideration by you and your family. The process of choosing a real estate agent (also called a "seller's agent") to handle the transaction should be just as thoughtful and thorough. An efficient, experienced agent knows your area, as well as the various tips and tricks to turn a home browser into a buyer. Take your time and do some research before settling on a Realtor for your home sale.
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Instructions
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Visit Realtor review websites, such as RealEstateRatingz.com and AngiesList.com, where other home sellers give opinions about Realtors across the United States. Read specific details about the reviewers' experiences, such as the final selling price compared to an asking price and how quickly the Realtor was able to close the transaction with the other party. Read reviews on as many Realtors in your area as possible.
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Check local billboards and high-profile advertisements to find names of Realtors. While there is no guarantee that a high-profile sign equals efficient service, these agents may have the ability to publicize your home to a larger group of people compared to a smaller agency.
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Call as many real estate agencies within a 15 to 20 mile radius of your home as possible. Have a list of questions prepared. Important questions include, "How many other clients do you have right now?" (a busy agent tends to be more efficient), and "How many homes did you list and sell in the past year?" (choose the agent that has the highest selling success rate compared to the others on your list). See Resources, below, for a list of other important questions to ask a seller's agent.
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Ask the Realtor for a listing of the latest homes she has sold. Check each listing yourself on Realtor.com and try to find houses that are similar to yours (similar size, number of rooms and area). Examine the selling prices to make sure that they are close to your asking price. If the agent isn't forthcoming with this important information, she may not be the right choice for you.
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Call your state's real estate commission (visit your state's website---see Resources for the list) to assure that every real estate agent you're considering has a valid state-issued license. Check Better Business Bureau records to assure that the Realtor and his company has a good reputation in your area.
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References
Resources
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