If you’re selling your home, finding an ideal real estate agent is key to getting top dollar and streamlining the process smoothly. When hiring one, be sure to conduct as thorough an investigation as you would for hiring contractors or doctors; localized specialists tend to offer better results than their national counterparts.
Finding an agent should not be done quickly or blindly based on referrals alone; meet multiple agents before making your choice and request references from previous clients for more insight into how well each one performs their services.
Discuss each agent’s background, education and training. Certain real estate agents have completed courses designed to provide them with specific credentials for working with seniors and military personnel; others possess certifications allowing them to sell luxury homes. Also inquire how each agent markets his or her listings themselves as well as if they work alone or as part of a team.
Marketing of your home for sale can make an immense difference when it comes to speed and price. A professional agent should use multiple listing services (MLS), such as Zillow, to promote it. In addition, open houses may be set up, print advertisements hosted online and even paid-for magazine advertisements promoted your listing.
As part of your initial meeting with an agent, be sure to discuss what steps they’ll take to protect your interests, such as screening buyers to ensure that they’re preapproved for mortgage loans and can afford the loans. In case there are any problems with title or condition of the property, your agent can help guide you through them.
An experienced agent knows exactly how to price your home for maximum value, taking into account comparable homes in the area, any co-op restrictions that might exist and other aspects which might impact marketability of your property. They’ll then create a marketing plan which highlights all of its unique features to prospective buyers.
Once an offer has been accepted, your real estate agent will guide you through the closing process and ensure all contingencies have been fulfilled, such as receiving a mortgage preapproval letter and title survey from their buyer. They’ll also negotiate on your behalf to make sure the terms of the deal are fair and reasonable.
Finding a real estate agent who understands your home can save time, stress and money when selling it. Clever can connect you with top-rated realtors from brand-name brokerage firms who have been carefully screened for customer satisfaction – plus our flat fee listing service can save commission! So get going now by requesting a complimentary Comparative Market Analysis report (CMA).