Are you thinking of selling your house? If so, you’ll need to find the right agent to list it. But how do you know which agent is right for you? Here are a few tips to help you choose the right one.
Buyer's Agents vs. Seller's Agents
Buyer’s and seller’s agents each have unique roles in the home buying and selling process.
A buyer’s agent is hired by the homebuyer to help them find the perfect house. The agent will show the buyer homes that fit their budget and meet their needs. They will also negotiate on the buyer’s behalf to help them get the best possible price for the home.
In contrast, a seller’s agent is hired by the seller to help them market their home and find a buyer. The agent will help the seller set a competitive price for their home and will work to promote the property to potential buyers.
Your first step in finding the best agent to list your home is to find a seller’s agent.
Location
When you’re ready to list your home, finding an experienced real estate agent who knows your community well is essential.
The agent you choose should have ample experience not just selling homes – but selling homes in your specific area.
One way to find an agent who specializes in your area is to look for “for sale” signs in your neighborhood. Seeing the same agent’s name on multiple signs is a good indicator that they’re knowledgeable about the area.
Property Type
In addition to being an expert in your area, you also need an agent who is familiar with the type of property you’re selling. For example, some agents work primarily with single-family homes. In contrast, other agents focus on condominiums and others on luxury properties or waterfront homes.
With their insider knowledge of the market, these agents can give you tailored advice on preparing your home for sale and pricing it competitively.
Agents vs. REALTORS®
Many people use the terms “real estate agent” and “Realtor®” interchangeably, but there are some significant differences between the two.
For starters, all Realtors are real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are Realtors. To become a Realtor, an agent must be a member of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR®).
The NAR® is a professional organization that requires its members to adhere to a strict code of ethics and provides them with access to various resources and educational opportunities.
Start Your Search with Friends, Family, and Associates
If you’re thinking about selling your home, one of the first things you’ll need to do is find a real estate agent. And while there are many ways to go about this, one of the best is to ask for recommendations from your friends, family, and associates. After all, these are people you know and trust, so their recommendation carries a lot of weight.
And because they’ve already had experience working with an agent, they can give you some valuable insights into what to expect.
Of course, you’ll still need to interview a few agents before making your final decision. But getting recommendations from people you know is a great place to start.
Check Ratings and Reviews Online
When you’re looking for a real estate agent, it’s important to do your homework and check out their ratings and reviews online. This will give you a good idea of their success rate and the quality of service they provide.
Sites like Google and Facebook are great places to start your research. You can see what others have to say about the agent and get a feel for their level of professionalism.
Visit Agent Websites
When you’re looking for a real estate agent, it’s important to find someone who is a good match for you. One way to determine if an agent is a good match is to visit their website.
A good real estate agent website will be professional and easy to navigate. It should also provide you with information about the agent’s experience, services, and how to contact them. Take some time to explore the website and see if it meets your needs.
Interview Three Agents
When you’re ready to sell your house, it’s important to take the time to interview at least three real estate agents. This will give you a chance to get a feel for their personality, their level of experience, and their understanding of the market in your area.
When you’re interviewing agents, be sure to ask about their marketing strategy, their commission structure, and how they plan to sell your home. These are important factors to consider when choosing an agent.
Conclusion
When selling your house, it’s important to find the best agent to represent you. There are many factors to consider when choosing an agent, including their area of expertise, the types of properties they normally sell, and whether they are a real estate agent or a Realtor®.
Friends and family can be a good source of referrals, and online ratings and reviews can also be helpful.
Once you have a few agents in mind, it’s important to visit their websites and interview them to get a better sense of their personality and whether they would be a good fit for you.
Take your time in making this decision, as it can have a big impact on the outcome of your sale. Your agent will be your greatest resource when it comes to selling your house fast and for the highest return.
