When it comes time to sell your house, you’ll want to make sure you choose the right agent to help you get the most for your property. Many agents are out there, so how do you choose the right one? Here are some tips to help you find the perfect agent for your needs.
Seller's Agent vs. Buyer's Agent
A buyer’s agent is a professional who helps homebuyers find and purchase the right home. They work with buyers to find properties that meet their needs and budget and negotiate on their behalf to get the best possible price.
On the other hand, a seller’s agent is a professional who helps sellers list and sell their homes. They work with sellers to determine the right asking price and marketing strategy for their home. They also handle all the paperwork and logistics involved in selling a home.
When listing your house for sale, you will want to hire a seller’s agent to help you through the process.
Real Estate Agent vs. REALTOR®
A real estate agent is a professional who assist people in buying, selling, or renting properties. They are experts in the local market and can help their clients find the right property, negotiate a fair price, and complete all the necessary paperwork.
Becoming a real estate agent requires completing a short training program and passing a licensing exam.
REALTORS® are a subset of real estate agents who have chosen to join the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR®). This organization requires its dedicated members to adhere to a strict code of ethics and provides them with additional resources and support.
As a result, people often consider REALTORS® to be the gold standard in the industry.
Whatever your needs, it is important to work with a professional who has your best interests at heart. Choose a real estate agent or REALTOR® who will help you find your perfect home.
REALTOR® Certifications
Another aspect that differentiates some agents from the pack is the certifications and designations they’ve earned in their careers. These may include:
GRI®: The Graduate, REALTOR® Institute designation is held by agents who have completed an advanced course of study in real estate.
ASR®: The Accredited Seller’s Representative designation is held by agents who specialize in working with sellers.
CRS®: The Certified Residential Specialist designation is held by agents with extensive experience and knowledge in residential real estate.
SRES®: The Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation is held by agents who have received training in meeting the needs of senior citizens who are buying or selling a home.
MRP®: The Military Relocation Professional designation is held by agents who specialize in helping military families with their real estate needs.
When you’re ready to list your house for sale, be sure to ask your agent about their certifications and designations. This can give you some insight into their level of expertise.
What to Look for in a Seller's Agent
Local expertise: One of the most important things to look for in a seller’s agent is local expertise. They should know the ins and outs of your neighborhood and be able to help you price your home accordingly.
Property type knowledge: Another important thing to look for is an agent who is familiar with the type of property you’re selling. If you’re selling a condo, for example, you’ll want to find an agent who has experience working with that type of property.
Marketing savvy: A good agent will have a solid marketing plan to get your home in front of as many potential buyers as possible. They should also be able to utilize technology to their advantage to give you a strong online presence.
Negotiation skills: When it comes time to negotiate, you want an agent who is going to fight for your best interests. They should be able to expertly navigate the negotiation process and help you get the most money for your home.
Strong communication: Throughout the selling process, you should be kept in the loop on what is happening. A good agent will communicate with you regularly and keep you updated on all the latest developments.
These are just a few of the things to look for in a seller’s agent. When interviewing agents, be sure to ask about their experience, marketing plan, and negotiation skills.
Read Online Reviews, Ratings, and Visit Websites
In addition to asking for referrals, another great way to find a top-notch real estate agent is to read online reviews and ratings. Top agents will usually have solid reviews and ratings on social media and sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com.
Another good place to look is an agent’s personal website. A professional and well-designed website is usually a good sign that an agent is serious about their career.
When you’re searching for an agent, be sure to read online reviews, ratings and check out their personal website. This will give you a good idea of what to expect from working with them.
Questions to Ask in Agent Interviews
You want to interview at least three agents, so you’ll have a good way to gauge what they cost, what services they provide, and what type of experience you have.
- How long have you been in real estate?
- Do you work solo or as part of a real estate team?
- How many homes have you sold in the past year?
- What’s the average sales price of the homes you’ve sold?
- What’s the average number of days on the market for homes you’ve sold?
- Do you have any certifications or designations?
- How do you suggest I price my house?
- What’s the lowest and highest sales price of a home you’ve sold?
- What’s your marketing plan?
- How do you use technology in your business?
- What’s your experience with (type of property)?
- What is your commission rate?
- How would you suggest pricing my house?
- How would you suggest staging my house?
- What happens if I’m not satisfied with your services?
Conclusion
When choosing a real estate agent to sell your house, it’s important to do your research and ask the right questions. Be sure to interview multiple agents so you can find the one that’s the best fit for you. With the right agent by your side, you’re sure to have a successful home sale.
