SELECT A REALTOR

How To Select A Realtor

There’s no simple formula for selecting a real estate agent. Making such an important choice requires time, planning, and a careful analysis of what each agent has to offer. You can start by getting referrals from friends or by contacting local agents and setting up interviews. You shouldn’t go blindly with a referral. What works for your friend may not work for you. Take the time to interview.

The Interview Process

If you are selling your home, contact one or two agents and schedule listing presentations. If buying, set up interviews with one or two. You can often get a good idea of which agents are most professional and most committed by looking at their personal marketing materials—brochures, direct mail, listing presentation book, etc. Are they professional? You might ask yourself, “If they don’t have the wherewithal to properly market themselves, how will they market my home?” In the interview, look for an agent who asks pointed, specific questions. That’s the sign of someone who is already thinking about your situation. Make sure you feel comfortable being around this person—you will be relying on his or her expertise.

Marketing Your Home

Despite having the same basic marketing tools at their disposal, every real estate professional has a different marketing strategy. Learn each agent’s marketing philosophy, and see what will work best for you.

Communication

Do you want weekly, daily, or hourly reports from your agent? Are you comfortable with letters, phone calls, or do you want to discuss matters in person? Determine how much communication you want, then find an agent who will give you the attention and time you desire.

Determining Price

Pricing your home is the most critical step to selling it, and you should choose a Realtor who has the knowledge to price your home wisely. Here’s what to avoid: DON’T go with a “yes man” who will promise a high price in order to get your listing—your home may languish on the market. DON’T let an agent talk you into an artificially low price designed simply to sell as fast as possible. DO have each agent justify the price through comparable properties and facts about the market. The selling price should attract prospective buyers to your home, get you top dollar in the current market and reflect the condition of your house. Be realistic. A good Realtor will be honest with you about the value of your home.

The Support Team

Agents work with a team of professionals in many fields, including legal, mortgage, home inspection, pest control, carpet cleaning, etc… You are not obligated to work with an agent’s team, but often it is the optimum way to go. Agents have built strong relationships with their “teams” and can often get expedient service or cash in a favor for your transaction should a crunch or problem arise.

Some agents employ an assistant or staff. This doesn’t necessarily mean better service, but it can be an indicator that the agent treats selling real estate like a business. By employing someone to handle the small details, he or she can devote more time serving your needs.

However, you may want on-to-one service. Discuss this with the agent at the interview.

Get References

Don’t be afraid to ask for references. Any agent who provides good service and is proud of his work will be happy to provide references.

These are a few pointers I hope will be helpful in selecting a real estate professional. I’ll be happy to answer them myself as one of your interview candidates. Please call me to schedule and interview at your convenience, and I would be happy to send you a copy of my personal brochure ahead of time