Choosing the Right Agent to Sell Your Home

Now that you are ready to sell your home you need guidance from a real estate professional.  The question is: how do you choose the right agent for you?

Real estate agents and brokers must be licensed by the state in which they work.  Each state has minimum standards for education and exams which must be met by real estate professionals.  After the license is obtained, most agents and brokers join the National Association of Realtors which has a code of ethics that must be followed by its members. 

Many people ask for referrals from family, friends or co-workers who have recently bought or sold a home if they were satisfied with the service provided by their agent.  If they would recommend this real estate professional or use them again in another transaction, this is someone you might consider. 

Contracts with agents are usually for anywhere from three to six months.  Therefore, you need to be as sure as possible that you are comfortable with this person.  You may want to visit with several agents before making a commitment.

An agent should not be chosen strictly on the amount of commission he or she charges.  He is not necessarily the right one for you because the fees are low because you often “get what you pay for”.  An agent who charges a low commission might not have the marketing budget to provide more exposure for your home other than a listing in the MLS and a sign in your yard.

Most buyers start their home search online these days.  Another thing to consider is your agent’s presence on the internet and their ability to reach these online homebuyers.

The right Realtor for you is dedicated to effective marketing of your property and has the motivation and ability to help you sell your home for a price that you find satisfactory with favorable terms.