If you’re ready to sell your home, finding an agent with local experience is key – but that alone doesn’t ensure they have all of the qualifications to help you sell quickly and for top dollar. To find a top agent follow these steps.
Interview several agents before selecting one. Ask each about their plans for marketing your home; an experienced agent should be able to explain how they’ll reach buyers via different marketing platforms – social media being one such way – while for speciality properties (co-ops, condos or townhouses), find out whether or not the agent has experience selling these types of properties. Also inquire as to their pricing strategy as poorly informed brokers may set the value too high and have your home languish on the market longer.
Experienced agents should be able to offer you a customized market analysis tailored specifically for your home. This analysis should show comparable properties that recently sold and their sales prices. Ask the agent which features of your home they will highlight during listing descriptions; and why.
Agents should be able to tell you whether they are brokers or salespersons and which agency they belong to. This information is crucial, as salespersons typically work under the supervision of brokers who must approve any transactions that could affect their commission. Some states such as Florida and Colorado offer non-agency sales which permit agents to conduct transactions directly without needing the approval of a broker first.
Most brokers possess more experience than salespersons; however, you should still check references and client reviews of any potential agents in order to make sure that they have handled properties similar to your own.
Avoid agents who have represented both sellers and buyers in a single transaction. Such brokers are legally obliged to serve both clients’ best interests equally, which could erode your negotiating leverage.
Before hiring an agent, be sure to read up on all state-specific real estate regulations pertaining to contracts, disclosures and other details. Speak to an attorney as well. Most real estate lawyers offer consultations at either no or a low fee, providing forms and guidance on selling your home. LawDepot and eForms provide access to New York-specific real estate forms online, while US Legal offers subscription services containing these popular legal documents for real estate transactions. Real estate attorneys can also help expedite the sale process by getting you pre-approved for a mortgage and providing advice about title insurance and surveys for your property. Furthermore, they may refer you to home inspectors and appraisers.