Picking the Best Seller's Agent
It's time to sell. Now, how to find a Realtor
to get the job done? You like "Suzie Many Signs". She always has
listings in your subdivision. Your spouse favors his sister "Jane Newbie".
She's new in the business and needs work; besides, she's family. Your son
favors the company with the really cool commercials during the evening news.
So, who's right?
Chances are, no one. Picking the best agent to
represent you in selling your most important asset shouldn't be done on the
basis of familiarity (the most signs), fancy advertising or family and
friends. None of these are an indication of quality service and professional
expertise. So, how do you find one? Some suggestions:
Look for Experience: Be sure that your Realtor
is seasoned in the business - several years or more is best. After all, why
would you want someone who is learning on your time?
Look for Education: Truth is, almost anyone can
get a real estate license. However, some Realtors have a lot more to offer.
Special certifications such as GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute) or college
and advanced degrees are benchmarks to consider.
Look for Honesty: Many agents promise
unrealistically high sales prices. In the trade this is called
"buying" the listing. A good agent suggests a fair and reasonable
price based on the facts: property condition, location, and the current
market. And, he supports that price with data on actual recent sales.
Look for References: A good agent will gladly
provide you with names of past clients who will vouch for him. You can also
look for "referrals" from friends or others willing to recommend
someone they have recently used (be sure any referral meets the other criteria
too).
Look for Compatibility: Don't pick an
aggressive smooth talking agent if you are the more reserved and quiet type.
There is no magic personality type that succeeds in selling homes. So, pick
someone you are comfortable with and feel you can trust.
If you still come up with "Suzie Many
Signs" after taking these precautions, that's great. More likely, you
will end up with someone you hadn't thought of right away. And, with that
choice you will get far better results. Good Luck!
First Published 7/14/00 (1/9)
