Real estate agents play an integral part in the home selling process. They can help navigate financial matters such as setting a listing price and marketing your home, while also catering to personal concerns like timeline and desired outcomes of selling property. It’s crucial that you find an agent who suits your individual needs; choosing someone with whom you connect will enable a faster sale at fair market price. Here we explore how to select an agent as well as questions to ask in order to make an informed decision.
Most people locate their listing agent through personal referral, which accounts for more than 41% of listings according to the National Association of REALTORS(r) (NAR). When interviewing multiple candidates, make sure you take into consideration experience, knowledge of local market conditions and personality when making your selection.
Your agent will utilize the Multiple Listing Service database to help identify suitable homes for you, but they’re also experts at uncovering information not readily available online about your property and recent sales in its area. They can also give you data regarding recent comparable home sales that will assist in valuing and setting an appropriate listing price for your own home. Having this knowledge at your fingertips will allow for easier valuation and setting an accurate listing price for sale.
Real estate agents represent both buyers and sellers; some choose to specialize in one group over the other. If you are selling, your agent will work on your behalf to secure the best offer in a timely fashion.
As a buyer, your agent will work tirelessly to find you your dream home at an ideal price. This may involve researching properties in the area, learning about schools and amenities in your community and determining whether a particular house meets all of your criteria.
As most licensed real estate agents provide both buyer and seller representation, it’s wise to interview potential listing agents carefully when interviewing potential listing agents for your transaction. When talking with these potential agents, ask about their previous experience working with both buyers and sellers so you have an idea of their capabilities in handling such an exchange. Additionally, check to see if they belong to a real estate association or have special credentials such as CRS (Certified Residential Specialist).