Wagner Realty
April
26
26
How to Interview an Agent Before Listing Your Home
Use These Questions to Find the Right Agent to List Your Home
If you're ready to sell your home, you will need to find the right real estate agent to list it. As a savvy homeowner, you should find an agent that not only has the credentials to sell your home but one that you're comfortable and confident working with. Our real estate agents have been asked a lot of questions during their careers. Here are some of the best questions to ask while interviewing a real estate agent:
- How long have you been in the business?
Experience counts. While new agents can be hungry and may bring energy and enthusiasm to the job, it's important that you know up front how much experience your agent has. Ask the question, and make sure you are comfortable with the answer. - How many listings do you currently have?
Agents who are successful get more listings, but unless they have a strong team, multiple listings could take time away from working for you. There's no perfect answer, but you want an agent with enough time to focus on selling your home. - How do you come up with a listing price?
The best agents will have a process they can easily share that will likely include analyzing recent sales of homes in your neighborhood and the current comparable listings on the market. The best agents also will need to see your home to know how to adjust for condition and special features. - Will I be working directly with you?
There's certainly nothing wrong with working with a listing agent who has built a strong team, but you need to know up front if you will be working directly with the agent or his/her associates. - Have you sold any homes in this neighborhood?
Location counts when you are selling your home, and if the agent you select is familiar with your neighborhood and has sold homes there before, he or she may already know buyers who are looking to purchase in your area. - Can I get a detailed marketing plan and what will it entail?
Selling a home requires marketing, and you deserve to have a real estate agent who will provide a comprehensive marketing program. A good marketing strategy will include professional photos and website presence, a brochure or flyer, advertising in local newspapers and magazines, and direct marketing that may include postcards or social media. - Can you offer suggestions for updates or staging to help sell my home?
You want an agent who is honest and open with you; someone who can be objective about your home. The way your agent answers this question will tell you a lot about how well you will work together. - How much is it going to cost me to sell my home?
In addition to paying commissions for two agents (yours and the buyer's), you will have additional closing costs, as well as real estate taxes and other fees. Make sure the agent you choose can detail these costs for you. - How long will take to sell this home?
No one has a crystal ball, but a good agent will be able to tell you what the average time on the market for homes like yours has been in recent months. - Can you provide me with references?
Get a list of references and call a few. There is no better source of information about the quality of a real estate agent than clients who have worked with him or her before.
Now that you know what questions to ask, contact Wagner Realty. We have the best agents in the area, and you are certain to find someone that is just right for you.
