When choosing a real estate agent to sell your home, it is important to do your research and consider a variety of factors. A great agent can mean the difference between your home selling rapidly for a massive price or it sitting stagnant on the MLS below market value. You need to make the right choice. Here are some tips for finding a good real estate agent.
Look for an agent with experience
No matter what the local market conditions are like, there's never any shortage of real estate agents. That's both good and bad news for homeowners. It's great that a seller never has to worry about selling a house alone; however, it can be difficult to know who is just an amateur with a license and who is a true real estate professional who can get the job done.
Look for an experienced real estate agent with a great track record. You can always poke around online to see what they have done in the real estate market -- if you can't find much then that's a bad sign. The best real estate agent will have a high real estate transaction volume. Real estate is like any other industry; experience is is the ultimate teacher.
Consider the agent's reputation
Look for an agent who has a good reputation in your local community. In addition to an agent's real estate license number, you should also check to make sure they're a member of the national association of realtors (NAR) to confirm they're in good standing in the industry.
You can ask for references or check online reviews to get a sense of other people's experience with the agent in question. Often, other real estate agents or mortgage lenders can be the best barometer for an agent's professionalism; especially since every agent usually cherrypicks the best testimonials and curates their social media presence tightly.
Meet with multiple agents
It is a good idea to meet with at least three agents to get a sense of their personalities and approach to selling homes. This will help you find an agent who you feel comfortable working with and who has a style that aligns with your preferences.
Even great real estate brokers have different communication styles and likability factors -- a seller's agent should be on the same wavelength with the homeowner. You can also inquire how they will handle future dialogue with the buyer's agent; you want the agent representing your home in the selling process to communicate in a manner that you believe represents your best interest.
Discuss Each agent's marketing plan
Ask the agents you are considering how they plan to market your home and get it in front of potential buyers. You want a real estate broker who has a comprehensive marketing plan that includes a mix of traditional and digital tactics.
A local agent should already have an idea about how they would find home buyers. In fact, they should be prepared to explain detailed strategies that go beyond posting your home on the MLS (multiple listing service) and hosting a couple open houses. A good agent will bring the market knowledge to quickly navigate your home sale; the wrong agent won't have any plan.
Consider the agent's fees
Before you sign any listing agreement, you definitely need to understand exactly how your agent will be compensated. Don't be shy about discussing this up front; if potential agents make you feel uncomfortable negotiating the exact terms then don't hesitate to continue to meet with other local agents. Your personal finance and preference matters!
Most agents typically charge a percentage of the final sale price as a commission for their services. (In turn, they split that with their parent real estate brokerage). In addition, the seller pays commission for the buyer's agents so it's important to set realistic expectations about your final take home.
You may also find real estate agents that will work for a flat fee. There are few agents selling real estate this way, but they are out there and you may prefer that model. You home's listing agent works for you so always make sure their compensation reflects that.
Or do it all on TrueParity
If all of those aforementioned steps seem like a lot of work, we agree! That's why we built TrueParity, so homeowners have a platform were they can do all of it with a click of a button.
Unlike other real estate websites, we vet agents ahead of time so only elite real estate professionals have access to the platform. Anyone can find local agents, but homeowners need a place where they can have an objective source of truth; real data that validates an agent's online presence.
On TrueParity, licensed agents submit proposals (for free) to list and sell your home; they compete to offer you the best terms. So not only can you quickly verify an agent's experience, you can see exactly they'll apply local knowledge to get you the best deal.
Summary
By doing your research and taking the time to find an experienced agent, you can increase your chances of a successful sale and a smooth transaction. You'll want to confirm your agent has thorough experience and an impeccable reputation, meet with several agents to hear their marketing plans and commission fees, and ultimately award your listing to the best agent you can find.
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