Hiring a real estate agent takes a load of worry off of a seller’s mind — but only if it’s the right real estate agent. While you will likely find many agents willing to help you sell your home, not everyone will be up to the task.
How do you distinguish the average from someone who will excel? Here are 4 important qualities to seek in an agent. Look for someone who will:
Set an accurate sales price: It’s easy to tell a seller what he/she wants to hear: that the house will go for the price the seller desires. Some agents will assure you this is the case, planning to work to get you to lower your price as time goes on. This is a bad selling strategy that is likely to lower the amount your home brings in the long run. Far better to choose an agent who can look you in the eye and tell you the price you can expect – and then defend that statement convincingly.
Deliver difficult news without flinching: You may need to face unpleasant facts in order to sell your home, including unanticipated repairs, price adjustments and so on. While you don’t want someone who will bully you into doing things you aren’t comfortable with, you also don’t want someone who is afraid to deliver bad news. The ultimate goal, after all, is to sell the home. Choose an agent who isn’t afraid to tell you what’s needed in order to get the job done.
Work with your moving schedule. Often a move must be carefully timed around a new job, the end or beginning of a school year or financial considerations that make it imperative that you leave the home on a certain date. Make sure you choose an agent willing to work his/her best to achieve these goals. On that note, it’s also good to choose an agent who is willing to help you find a new residence, so that the move is seamless and you don’t close on your old home before a new residence is ready.
Be a strong negotiator. This may seem obvious, but not all agents are fearless negotiators. You need someone who can boldly represent your interests. One way to screen agents is to study the way they negotiate the listing contract with you. Those who are persuasive in negotiating for their own commissions, etc., will likely do a good job on your behalf as well.
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Learn more about hiring a real estate agent at RE/MAX of Cherry Creek’s blog.
RE/MAX of Cherry Creek