4 Things You Need From Your Listing Agent
Are you thinking of selling your home? Are you dreading having to deal with strangers walking through the house? Are you concerned about getting the paperwork correct? Hiring a professional real estate agent can take away most of the challenges of selling. A great agent is always worth more than the commission they charge. You want to deal with one of the best agents in your marketplace. To do this you must be able to distinguish the average agent from the great one. Here are some points to help you:
1. They should understand the timetable with which your family is dealing.
You will be moving your family to a new home. Whether the move revolves around the start of a new school year or the start of a new job, you will be trying to put the move to a plan. This can be very emotionally draining. Require from your agent an appreciation for the timetables you are setting. While the agent cannot pick the exact date for your move, they should exert any influence they can.
2. They should remove as many of the challenges as possible.
It is so important that your agent know how to handle the challenges that will arise. An agent's ability to negotiate is critical in this market.
Remember: If you have an agent who was weak negotiating with you on the parts of the listing agreement that were most important to them (commission, length, etc.), don't expect them to turn into Superman when they are negotiating for you with your buyer.
3. They should help with the relocation.
If you have not yet picked your new home, make sure the agent is capable and willing to help you. The coordination of the move is crucial. You don't want to be without a roof over your head the night of the closing. Likewise, you don't want to end up paying two housing expenses. You should, in most cases, be able to close on your current home and immediately close and move into your new residence.
4. The need to get the house SOLD!
There is a reason you are putting yourself and your family through the process of moving. You are moving on with your life in some way. The reason is important or you wouldn't be dealing with the headaches and challenges that come along with selling. Do not allow your agent to forget these motivations. Remind them that selling the house is why you hired them. If they discover something needs to be done to attain your goal, such as a price correction, a repair, removing clutter, insist they have the courage to inform you.
Make sure you let your agent know what you and your family expect from them.
Tony Morganti, CRS, ABR
330-352-9513
