Selling Your Home: How to Choose the Right Realtor
Are you planning to sell your home? If so, you would certainly need a realtor to smoothen out the process as well as avoid headaches. Whether you are embarking on your first real estate deal or a veteran, you definitely need to find a realtor who is the perfect fit for you. With millions of realtors out there, how do you choose the right one? Here are some quick tips to help you out.
1. Choose a Realtor with the right credentials
Many believe that a realtor and real estate agent are the same, but they’re actually not. A realtor belongs to an international association for agents. This means that he or she has passed different certification exams and eligibility tests to prove their credibility.
Only a certified realtor can have access to MLS or Multiple Listing Search database and place your house there. The realtor should have a CRS or Certified Residential Specialist license; or if you can, choose someone who has a Senior Real Estate Specialist license.
2. Choose one that’s from a credible Real Estate firm
It is important to ask the realtor his or her scope of influence and the type of transactions they specialize in. You will most likely find a realtor with these in a reputable real estate firm. The larger firms can also provide resources that you’ll need to sell your house.
However, it is also important to remember that smaller firms also have advantages. Local agencies know more about the market, offer discounts, and, of course, a more customized service. Furthermore, you should also remember to avoid interviewing agents from the same company.
3. Avoid dual agents
Steer clear of agents who represent both the buyer and the seller. Your realtor should have your best interest in mind; being a dual agent will hinder that. He will turn out serving two masters at the same time. The impartiality of the transaction will also be hindered. Most would tend to lean on the client who he can earn more commission from. This stops the agent from protecting your interests.
4. Use References
If you have found a potential realtor to hire, check on their references. Checking two to three references is more than enough. You can call their friends, family, employer, or even their past clients. In this way, you will get to know the agent’s integrity. It is also one way of checking if there problems that arose during their past transactions. If there were problems that arose, ask how the agent handled it and whether it was solved or not.
5. Factor in the Realtor’s capabilities and experience
It is a well-known fact that only a handful of people are able to pass the realtor’s certification exam. You can easily validate their license by checking it out on the Realtor’s Association near you. The ideal candidate should have the right education and experience under his belt.
Check out how the agent has been performing in the industry and how many properties similar to yours has he sold successfully without any hitches and compare the price range. The right agent will also clearly give a price range of how much your property can be sold for. Try to ask questions if you can, it will help you validate the agent’s knowledge about the market.
6. Check the Realtor’s marketing plan
The right realtor will know how to sell your place. They know how to attract the market and create an effective strategy that will give your property an edge over others. The realtor should also be able to utilize different modes of marketing such as social media and online marketing.
It is certainly important to hire the right person to sell your home. Your choice will affect the outcome of your real estate transactions. With the tips above, you will now have an idea on how to start looking in the right direction to help you make the right decision.
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Thanks for reading,
Kevin Foy & Nick Foy
Team Foy with RE/MAX Oak Crest Realty
Text or Call – 574-387-2501
Email – Nick@TeamFoy.com
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