If it’s your first time to sell a home, then you may be surprised by the complexity of the process. It’s not as simple as finding a buyer and getting their payment. For this reason, it really behooves you to consider working with a realtor.
True enough, the property selling process can be wrought with all sorts of challenges and frustrations. A good realtor can make the experience so much easier and more pleasant for you. You should understand though that realtors vary in the quality of service they provide. How do you then make sure that you end up choosing the right realtor to sell your home?
The first thing you need to take into account when choosing a realtor is his credentials. A real estate professional should have verifiable qualifications as well as an impeccable work ethic. Realtors are different from your regular agent in the training and license they bear. Don’t hesitate to verify if your prospective realtor’s license is current and valid, and if he is in good standing with local real estate associations.
Another thing you should look into is the selling procedure that your potential realtor follows. You have every right to inquire regarding the strategies a realtor may adopt to market your home. Will he use the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or will he be more inclined to use a more private marketing means? Would your needs be met better by a more aggressive campaign that unfortunately runs the risk of wasting much time and effort, or by a slower but more precise way of marketing? You may have to go with your gut on this one.
You need to feel confident that your realtor is truly looking out for your interests, and not just his own. The goal is to get rid of your property as quickly as possible for the most money you can get, and it’s important that your realtor doesn’t forget that. This will be evident in everything from pricing your home to sell to making marketing choices. He has something to gain as well, but it’s good for his image to show that he does not let his profit take precedence over that of his clients.
Of course, there are the fees to consider as well. You should know that realtor fees are not dictated by the state or by any governing body, so while there may be a norm, your realtor does not have to submit to it. You can pretty much expect them to be similar to those of other real estate professionals in order to remain competitive, but it’s best for you to research and compare before you settle on your choice.
