Home Seller: How to get your Real Estate Agent's Full Attention
In today's buyer's market, sellers face numerous challenges. One way you
can overcome the challenges faced by many home sellers in the attempt to
sell a home during this trying time is to make sure that you not only
find the
right real estate agent but also ensure that you have your real estate agent's full attention.
Unfortunately, many home sellers find that it is far from easy to locate
an agent who will provide the marketing of their home with undivided
attention. One way you can tip the scales in your favor; however, is to
make sure that you do some research and investigation before you
actually sign the listing agreement. Far too frequently home sellers
find themselves with a real estate agent who virtually disappears the
day after the listing is signed, leaving them with a house languishing
on the market. Part of this is due to the fact that many real estate
agents are now delegating much of their work to personal assistants;
particularly those agents that are considered to be 'top' real estate
agents.
In fact, many home sellers are surprised to learn that it can actually
work out in their favor to sign with a real estate agent who perhaps
isn't quite as well known or successful as a 'top' real estate agent.
While real estate agents who make commissions in the six and above
figure range have the ability to leverage their time by hiring
assistants those agents who are not quite as successful are more likely
to actively market your property personally.
Of course, this isn't to say that you shouldn't hire an agent who
employs an assistant. You might even find that your receive more service
than you would working with an agent who doesn't have an assistant but
it does mean that you need to take the time to find out exactly how your
agent handles the marketing of their properties. For example, it's
important to find out how involved your agent will be in the main parts
of the sale of your property such as negotiating.
To ensure that your real estate agent provides you with the best
attention possible in order to sell your property faster and for more
money, there are some tips you can follow.
First, make an attempt to find out how many properties the agent you are
considering using has closed in the previous 12 months. Find out
information such as the property location in addition to the list and
sales prices. This will clue you in as to whether the agent is able to
sell homes that are similar in style and price to your own on a routine
basis or whether they may be lagging behind other agents.
Also, keep in mind the importance to working with an agent that
customarily sells home that are in your price range. For example, if you
are selling a home that is in a higher end price bracket, it's generally
a good idea to avoid signing with agent that routinely sells homes in a
lower price bracket. The same is true if your home is in a lower price
bracket; avoid those agents that typically deal with higher end homes.
In today's highly competitive market it is also a good idea to interview
prospective agents and find out what their plans are for the next six
months or during your listing period in regards to travel and vacation.
While real estate agents, like everyone else, enjoy taking time off
occasionally, it's typically not a good idea to sign with an agent who
is planning to take off a significant amount of time right when you have
listed your property. You don't want your property to be gathering dust
on the market while your agent is lounging on the beach.
As previously mentioned, take the time to find out whether your agent
works with an assistant and if so, how much work is delegated to the
assistant.
Also, don't forget to take the time to find out exactly how responsive
your agent is and whether they will keep you informed regarding what is
going on with the marketing and sale of your home. Consider how quickly
they return your phone calls, etc.
Finally, find out what your agent's policy is on providing feedback
regarding comments from other brokers and agents as well as prospective
buyers. Receiving regular feedback in a timely fashion can be critical
in selling your home because it allows you to respond quickly to market
conditions. For example, if you discover that several buyers have
commented that the home is overpriced, you will know that you may need
to consider dropping your asking price. The same is also true for any
potential repairs or cosmetic changes that may need to be made as well.
Remember, that in today's market, one of your best changes for selling
your home quickly and for a good price is to invest the time and effort
necessary into locating a responsible and responsive agent.
If you want to find a real estate agent who will work for you, and work
with you to sell your house, you can
find and compare a good agent here!
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