Choosing a Realtor
Looking to sell your property? Finding the right realtor and listening and acting on that realtor’s advice can mean the difference between selling your property within a couple of months despite the down market or having your listing sit on the market for six months to a year.
When looking for a realtor you want to interview a few candidates before choosing one. I know a couple who didn’t do this when they sold some property in Florida a few years ago who ended up paying the realtor a 12% commission because they didn’t know what was reasonable and they hadn’t taken the time to check around.
In addition to checking out at least 3 realtors, you want to consider the realtors ties to your community. Does the person live in the community and have a reputation for honesty? Do they have a lot of contacts that will help them sell your house? Are they experienced? Do they have a website that will feature your house? The biggest issue I have with realtors is getting them to answer the phone or call back when you leave a message. If the realtor isn’t answering the phone for you then they likely aren’t answering the phone when a potential buyer calls either.
You may also want to consider whether the realtor is staying current on trends in housing. The big thing now is staging properties so that they appeal to buyers. This can mean decluttering the house and even doing a few cosmetic repairs before listing it. Is the realtor going to tell you what your house really needs to sell it at the price you want or are they too afraid of upsetting you. Remember, while the house was once your home, now that you are selling it, you should treat it like a business asset. Don’t get emotionally involved.
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