How to Choose a Real Estate Agent
Posted by admin | Posted in Real Estate | Posted on 03-07-2010
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If you’re selling a home, you need a licensed real estate agent. It is feasible to sell your home on your own (i.e. For Sale by Owner), but without the proper knowledge of how to sell real estate and the paperwork and procedures involved, you could end up shooting yourself in the foot. Using a real estate agent to sell your home will cut back on headaches and ensure that all appropriate steps are being followed and documentation being completed.
Step 1 – Ask Around
If you’ve never dealt with a real estate agent before, ask your friends and family in the area if they recommend an agent. It’s better to go with an agent that comes with a personal recommendation than choosing one blindly. You should also ask your neighbor if they know anyone, especially if your neighbors are new to the area. Asking around will key you in to some of the better real estate agents around and which ones to avoid.
Step 2 – Go to Open Houses
This might seem a bit strange, but if you want to find an agent that knows your area, you should go to open houses in your neighborhood. Even if you don’t want to stay in that neighborhood, a local real estate agent is the way to go. Local agents know how much you can get for your home based on your neighborhood and the condition of your home, and can provide you with insight an out-of-area agent can’t. So, visit a few local open houses and talk to the agents hosting them. If they aren’t able to take on any addition sellers at the moment, they might be able to refer you to a fellow agent that knows the area and can help you get the best price for your home.
Step 3 – Choose a Reputable Real Estate Office
Real estate agents work out of real estate offices. They work with the office as independent contractors to help sell homes. When choosing a real estate agent, be sure to stick with the larger offices. A no-name office doesn’t have the resources necessary to sell your home fast and for the best price. The bigger, more established real estate offices often have a network of agents and other real estate professionals that can serve you and your specific selling needs.
Step 4 – Take Names and Ask Questions
The bottom line is you’re the customer when you’re selling your home. You choose the real estate agent, they don’t choose you. So, don’t go with the first agent you find. Shop around. Ask your neighbors for references, go to open houses, and visit the larger real estate offices in your area. Write down the names and contact information of some of the better agents you meet. Then, sit down and choose 3 or 4 agents you like and start analyzing. Think about which one will get you the best price for your home and, most importantly, work with and help you throughout the entire process. Some agents can get top-dollar for your home but are very difficult to work with on other areas of the deal (i.e. completing paperwork, escrow, etc. ). If you can’t decide on an agent, call you top choices and set up an interview. Have them bring their resume and proof that they’re a licensed real estate agent. Most agents will be willing to sit down with you and give you their sales pitch. If they aren’t, then it’s obvious they aren’t willing to dedicate themselves to helping you with selling your home.
Selling your home is a big event. The home selling process is a large undertaking that requires the expertise of a real estate agent. So if you’re thinking about selling your home, don’t go it alone. Use the steps above and find a reputable, reliable, and helpful real estate agent.
For more articles on Home Purchase visit http://www.bills.com/home-purchase/
Watch the video related to real estate agent
Here’s a real estate agent doing a great job marketing herself with Twitter, Facebook and other social media – without a fancy website, and virtually for free.
Help answer the question about real estate agent
What duties should I expect a real estate agent who is a relocation specialist to do for me?How is a relocation specialist r/e agent different from a standard agent?
I am moving to a new city in a short amount of time. I need to find temporary living and then will be in search of buying a home. Should I expect either type of agent to help me find temporary housing for my family? What should I expect out of my real estate agent throughout my move?
My realtor was a business contact. When we finally decided to buy our house I recalled the fact that she was a realtor and got the ball rolling. Everything turned out well.
You will need to take a few classes. They can be taken in most community colleges or through an agency like real estate trainers. Then you will have to pass a state exam, and have a background check done.
If you are motivated and a hard worker it is a great career. You will have to have some money saved up before you join. Being a real estate agent is like having your own business. You only get paid if you sell a house. Commission on a house is average of 6% so each agent (selling and listing) get on average 3% per house sold. You will need money to purchase business cards, signs, advertising etc. No company will pay for these things for you. So like I said, its like having your own business. You pay for everything on your own and you only get paid if you work hard and sell houses.
This is a very tough market to start in because of the foreclosures etc.
being into real estate myself, I really thought this was funny, great job
Lol
not Donaldson, but Ronaldson. I like my name too :p
@fungirl1950 O RLLY?
Don’t just look at a commission split. Find out what expenses an office will cover for you. In some offices, you’re responsible for paying for everything right down to a per page copying fee. Other offices will cover more costs like marketing, copies, postage, etc. You have to weigh the benefits and costs of each office.
Another factor is training and support. Some offices show you a desk and leave you to your own devices. Others will have a formal training programs where you’ll receive on-going education for free at your office.
On that note, like in any business culture is important. In some offices there’s a lot of competition and no one dares help anyone else because they’re worried about giving away their secrets or helping someone else do better than they are. You should outright ask a broker before you sign on to a company if agents generally help one another.
Personally, I think have a broker who doesn’t actively sell is a huge deal. So often when you deal with a broker who’s still selling, they’re not available to answer your questions when you need them. This might be rare where you live, but do try to find one or two if possible. Also pay attention to whether or not the office employs a fulltime receptionist. If they don’t, you’ll be stuck wasting part of your time answering phones. Your office gets free receptionist and you just lose prospecting time. “Floor time” is of no benefit to you.
A company’s reputation is another thing to keep in mind. You don’t necessarily have to work with a Century 21 or Coldwell Banker, but if Mary Smith Real Estate isn’t well known in your city, you’re probably wasting your time with them.
Will you tell me what it is? I like the name.
I am a Realtor. I like helping people obtain their dream of home ownership. I became a Real Estate agent because I feel it is a very important step in the financial process to be financially stable. I feel if done right it is a very rewarding career.
What Else would you like to know.
Love you too. ♥
Check, if he/she has been selling well lately. Recent market conditions pretty tested agents' skills. We are talking about potential gain/loss of thousands dollars, so take time and do your small research, ask your ex-neighbours who recently sold homes, make calls, check agent sites for done deals…
afraid not fungirl
what is your email and I will tell you my name.
As a new agent the best company to start with is the one that offers you the most help getting started. There is a lot you don't know and cooperative people around you that are willing to help will make a huge difference.
Agents with more years in the industry do not always mean they are better for you, the buyer. You should look for someone who has a good track record working with buyers. Many seasoned agents will not work with buyers because buyers "are too much work to deal with".
Ask broad based questions and listen to the answers:
- Why do I choose you over another agent?
- Ask for references (and followup on them)
- Check with friends and relatives and get referrals from them.
There are many great agents out there. You should be able to find one by putting some very worthwhile time.
When I got my license I had troubles choosing also. I wanted a larger popular company, with a good reputation. I suggest meeting with the brokers and asking them what is their commission split do they have desk fees, and tech fees. Ask them what they have to offer you to help you with marketing and training programs.