Andrew And Associates

Questions to Ask Your Realtor Before You List

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Selling a home is not an everyday occurrence. Therefore, you’ll have limited experience in knowing how to maximize your profits from the sale of your home. There are many questions you should ask a potential real estate agent. All real estate agents are not equal. You should take a little time to research the agent, company and history before you list your home. It could save you literally thousands of dollars.

If you know someone that has worked with a realtor recently, be sure to ask them about their experience. When someone has a good experience, they’ll to tell you… and if they didn’t, you need to know. Many times you may have several good agents referred to you. Take time to interview two or three. Find out which one has the personality and trust that is right for you.

Here’s a list of questions to help you find the best real estate agent for your needs:

Ask the real estate agent to send you some information about them. Be sure to see how long it takes for the real estate agent to respond to your request. Communication is very important. You can bet that their response to your request will be similar to the response you’ll get when they list your home. You want an agent that is quick and efficient.

How long does it take to sell a home and at what price? You need to have an idea of how long it takes to sell homes in your area. Is the agent selling the homes for top dollar? Compare the asking price of the homes sold with the actual sales price. You want an agent that sells homes quickly near the asking price. Don’t make the mistake of taking the agent who promises to sell your home at the highest price. Unfortunately, there are agents who will promise the world only to get you to drop the price soon after you’ve listed.

Carefully review comparable homes that have recently sold in your neighborhood. Setting the asking price is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in selling your home. Keep in mind that it is the buyer that determines the value of your home. The price you set should attract potential buyers to your home and maximize your profit. The price you establish should also reflect the current market and the current condition of your home. Selling your home is like a two-edged sword. Avoid agents that will suggest a high dollar price just to get you to list and avoid an agent that will under price a home just so it will sell quickly.

Discuss in detail the listing agreement. What are the beginning and ending dates of the agreement? What the fees are that you will have to pay.  Go over every detail of the agreement until you completely understand it. Most listing agreements last between three and six months depending upon the market conditions. Remember, you usually get what you pay for. Just because an agent will agree to a cheaper price, doesn’t mean you’ll end up with more money. It takes money and time to effectively and efficiently market your home. Keep the following facts in mind:

• When real estate agents see that a commission has been reduced, many will refuse to show the home to their buyers.
• The more potential buyers that see your home will drive up the price buyers are willing to pay.
• Houses listed by discount brokers normally stay on the market much longer and sell for a lower price.
• Offering a full commission is part of selling your home at Top Dollar.

Review which disclosure laws will apply to you.  Your agent should help you locate professional inspectors to complete the various mandatory home inspections required in your area.  Create a home marketing file. It normally includes a property fact sheet, a property transfer disclosure statement, applicable study zone report, structural engineering report, property profile from the Title Company, plans for alterations or additions, and special equipment report for pools, spas, sprinklers and alarm systems.  Your agent should handle all of this for you.  This should be completed before any buyer steps into the picture.  This will simplify the sales process.

Ask your agent why you should list with him or her rather than the competition.  A good agent will have a well planned marketing strategy. The first 30 days are critical. Agents who have innovative marketing strategies will always outperform agents who rely on outdated techniques.  Merely putting an ad in the newspaper no longer gets the job done.  There are numerous ways to make your home available to the buying public, and be sure the agent uses every one of them to attract the largest pool of buyers.

Choose your agent wisely.  Choose your agent by asking questions of him or her.  Find out how knowledgeable they are about houses currently for sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold.  Can your agent recommend a good lender that has the reputation of excellent customer service and low rates to assist your new buyer with financing?  A good listing agent can get your house sold quickly at Top Dollar and help you find a new home.

Do you have questions or need advice you can count on or just want to discuss this further?

Don’t waste any more time; pick up the phone and call me now!  I’m here to help!

I offer a five star guarantee. I appreciate your business, loyalty, trust and referrals. My goal is to provide the very best counsel and advice to meet your real estate needs. If I can assist you, a relative, friend or co-worker, please give me a call. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

For prompt, courteous, professional service, call Larry Andrew: