What to Ask Your Realtor

What to Ask Your Realtor Before You List Your Home
by: Rick Walters

The best real estate agent for you is the one that is best prepared to give you what you need. To determine which agent can offer you the best services it is wise to interview the agent before you sign a contract. The following are things that you can ask for to help you find the best match for you.

Information about themselves: Their promotional materials will tell you a lot about the agent. Does it look good? Is it informative? These are things that if they don't do well to market themselves, how well will they be able to market your home? Pay attention to the time it takes to receive the information you have requested. It will tell you a lot about their responsiveness.

Learn about their track record: How many homes have they listed and sold in the past few months? Where were these homes located and what was the price range? It is helpful to find an agent who is familiar with your area and has dealt with selling homes in your price range. How long did it take for them to sell the homes they listed? Ask them to explain the circumstances of a home that has sat on the market for a long time. There might be a reasonable explanation.

Experience: How long have they been in the business? Just because an agent has been licensed for a long time, doesn't mean that they work full time. If an agent is new to the business it doesn't mean they don't have the drive and energy to get the job done. What certifications or designations do they hold? This is a sign of continuing education, which makes them more knowledgeable. It is also a sign of dedication. They are serious about what they do.

Showings: How will they set up showings? Will they require appointments to be set or will they put a lock box on the house? A lot will depend on the needs of the seller but a lock box has the most flexibility. You will still be notified before a showing, but you or your agent will not need to be available when someone else wants to see your home. Will they hold an open house for you? While it is good exposure to have your house open typically this does not sell houses.

Listing price: A good agent will provide you with a comparative market analysis of homes that have recently sold in your area. This will help determine the best price. Other factors to consider are the condition of your home, special amenities you may have, etc. Remember that setting the price too high may result in your home sitting for too long. Setting the price too low may result in lost profits for you.

Listing agreement: Make sure that your agent explains in detail what you are committing to. How long you are required to list your home with them, can you get out of the contract when it expires, what commission will they charge?

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•	Preparing the offer by: Mary Jo Ridenour
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