How do you choose the right real estate agent to sell your home fast?

For most of us, buying and selling our home is the biggest financial transaction of our lives. Finding a skilled, well trained, and honest agent to represent you is of the utmost importance.

In today's world, consumers have many ways available to them to learn about agents. Probably the best way to find out what an agent has to offer you is by interviewing them. It may seem obvious, but many people don't take the time to do it.

Find out what your home is worth.

• Here are some questions you may want to ask your real estate agent before signing a Listing Agreement:

Do you have a marketing plan for my house?

Most real estate agents do the "3 P's" of marketing. They Put it in the multiple listing database, the Place a sign in the yard, and they Pray that someone comes along to buy it. Ask them if they do the 4th "P", Prospecting.

If they don't do all 4 P's, they're not the right agent.

• Do you work full-time?

A full-time real estate agent is likely to give you more time and attention than a part-time agent. A part-time agent may not be the right agent for you.

• How will you communicate with me?
  • According to the National Association of Realtors, the biggest complaint that sellers have is that they don't hear anything from their real estate agent. Once the Listing Agreement is signed, they disappear and become "Secret Agents."
  • If they don't have a plan to keep you informed, they're not the right real estate agent.
  • • Is your Real Estate License in good standing?
      • Do you have any client complaints against you?
      • There are websites to check a real estate agent's license. Ask the real estate agent to provide it to you.
    • Can you provide me with references who are not relatives?
      • Talking to past clients is a great way to find out if the real estate agent will do what they are telling you they will do.
    • Can you help me with staging my home?
      • You are in a pricing war and a beauty contest when it comes to marketing your home. The right real estate agent will be able to help you with making your home look it's very best.
    Who takes the photos of my home?
  • Does the real estate agent come in with their cell phone and snap some pics? You only have one chance to make a first impression. This is especially true online. Home buyers look at pictures! If your pictures are blurry or poorly lit don't expect to get many showings. You've worked hard to get the house ready to show. The right agent will hire a professional to take photos that will showcase your home in its best light.
  • • What documents do I need to sign?
      • These should include, of course, the listing agreement and sales contract. If the listing agreement does not have a cancellation clause, ask if you can cancel if you are unhappy with the services. If you have the free right to cancel, the length of the listing agreement does not matter much. Read all documents and ask questions if you don't understand anything.
    • Do you have a website and/or blog?
      • Virtually all agents have a website. Visit it to get a sense of the agent and the brand. Not many agents have blogs so don't hold it against them. But if they do have a blog, visit and read their posts and comments. In my (biased) opinion, you will get enormous insights into the agent's personality & local expertise, among other things.

      You might also like Questions To Ask When Choosing a Realtor - Realtor Magazine.

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