Selling your home is like a short-term romance. It requires faith in the person you choose. You depend on your REALTOR® for meaningful communication and timely feedback. You want to sell your home, so you must trust them because they’re your connection to achieving your goal.
The REALTOR® you choose is critical to your success in selling your home. Follow this guide on
Start with a ListnIf you have no idea how to find the right real estate professional, start with a list.
Review WebsitesnOnce you have a list of REALTORS®, search for their company websites. Some businesses use Facebook for easier client interaction, so search there too. Check out an agent’s listings and sales, open houses, and marketing efforts. Look for a listing of credentials, real estate specialties, and client comments.
Undercover ObservationnCompile a list of open houses from online research or open house signs in neighborhoods where you’d like to live. Simply show up with all the other guests and sign in. The person hosting the open house is usually the seller’s agent, so as you walk through the home, check them out as well.
You can learn a lot through undercover observation but ask a few questions as well. If you’re impressed, ask for a business card.
Conduct InterviewsnTreat a realtor interview as though you’re the employer looking for the best candidate for the job. That’s essentially what you’ll be doing. Make sure the agent understands that it’s an information-only meeting. Come prepared to ask the questions you couldn’t answer from checking out a website or visiting an open house.
Check CredentialsnAsk about credentials, licenses, and designations but don’t waste your interview time discussing them. You should focus on marketing, negotiation, and closing experience. In the end, these are the biggest factors in getting your home sold.
You can usually verify a realtor’s license status through a state’s online licensing portal. Realtor and broker designations are related to education and ethics.
NAR offers education and training for other designations and certifications. You can find criteria for Accredited Buyer’s Representative, Certified Residential Specialist, and other designations at NAR.com.
It’s Worth the Effort
Making a perfect match with a real estate professional requires time and patience, but it’s worth it. When you choose the right person, it can make a big difference in selling your home quickly, professionally, and for the price you want.