Selecting Your Real Estate Agent
* The Agent brings the market to you. The market brings your price.
* The right Agent is the one who knows the market and can get you the
best price possible - not the one who promises you the highest price
just to get you to list with them!
Regardless of how you get an agent's name, it might be worth interviewing
at least a couple before you make a final decision - or at least arming
yourself with some criteria to go over with any agent who has been recommended
to you.
A few things to look for:
- If you're looking for an agent to list your
home, be wary of anyone who suggests they can get an unreasonably
high sales price. An agent might use a high listing price to secure
a contract, only to seek a lower price later, after little traffic
is generated at the initial price level. Meanwhile, you've lost what
can be the most critical time period in selling a home - the first
weeks immediately after it's listed.
- If you're a buyer - does the agent offer buyer
agency? More and more buyers are deciding they want full contractual
representation on the same level as the seller. Be sure to discuss
buyer agency with any agent you're thinking about working with.
- Does the agent know the market? Is the agent
active in soliciting business?
- And a final point: Does the agent seem primarily
interested in sharing expertise and market knowledge in an honest
and straightforward manner? Or does the agent seem more interested
in telling you what you want to hear - or spend a lot of effort trying
to market additional products and services? You need straightforward,
reliable and objective information from an agent who puts your interests
first.
