If you are planning to put your home on the market, you have a number of things to consider. From how to price your home to who will represent the property, it is important to get it right. The choice of real estate agent in particular will have a profound impact on virtually every aspect of the sale. From how long it takes to sell your home to how much you get for it, the influence of the real estate agent will be enormous. Here are some great tips for finding the perfect agent to sell your home.
Verify Their Licensing
Real estate agents must meet strict licensing requirements to ply their trade, but those requirements vary from state to state. Before you hire an agent to sell your home, you need to review the licensing requirements in your state.
Once you know what those licensing requirements are, you can review the qualifications of the agents you are considering. Cross any unlicensed or improperly licensed agents off your list immediately.
Talk to Recent Clients
There is no substitute for direct experience when it comes to real estate. Always get a list of recent clients from the agents you are considering, and follow up with those sellers.
Ask open-ended questions when you call, including what they liked about working with the agent, what they did not like, how long it took to sell the home and so on. You can learn a lot by talking to recent clients, so don't skip this important step.
Look for Peer Awards and Accolades
Real estate agents love to give each other awards, and it is easy to dismiss those accolades as meaningless. In the world of residential real estate, however, those awards and accolades really do carry a lot of weight.
If you are interviewing an agent for the first time, take a look around at the awards on their desk, the plaques on the walls and so on. An office filled with awards does not guarantee a great agent, but it is a good indication that you are working with an industry professional.
Make Sure They Have the Right Accreditations
There are a number of accreditations and designations available to real estate agents, and the best agents work hard to attain them. Always check the accreditation of the agent you are considering, and know what those professional designations really mean.
Selling your home is not something to be taken lightly. Taking the time to interview a number of local agents and assess their qualifications can pay off big in the long run. The tips above can help you get started and help you make the most of your upcoming home sale.