Select An Agent and Price

I can’t stress the importance of choosing the right Agent.  Perhaps you loved the Agent who sold you your home and if that’s the case, you can check that box and move on.  If you weren’t happy with your previous Agent’s level of service or if you have to start from scratch, I would suggest asking friends, family and co-workers if they have a recommendation (or just call me!).

Like all professions, there are Agents who are really, really good and then there are some who aren’t good at all.  Sometimes it’s hard to know which is which because some Agents are better at selling themselves during the interview.  You’ll know what to do if you ask a lot of questions and if you listen to your gut.  It’s almost always right on the money.

One thing to be wary of is an Agent whose only business Plan is their promise to save you thousands of dollars in commission fees.  Yes, commissions are negotiable.  The fee that most Brokers choose as their listing fee is 6%  however,  it’s a choice and it’s negotiable.  Commission aren’t fixed however six percent Listing Broker fees have been around for decades.  Typically, 3% is what is seen in MLS as the Buyers Agent Commission and typically the other 3% is the Selling Broker Fee.  But to reiterate, fees are not fixed.

Being a Real Estate Professional is expensive.  There are thousands of dollars in recurring fees including Board Dues, Continuing Education, MLS fees.  Then there are fees to promote your property such as Photography, Graphics, Brochures, Print & Digital Ads, Facebook Ads, Open Houses, Staging.  There are fees for equipment like printers, paper and ink, Digital signing platforms, office fees, error & admissions insurance, Scheduling Service fees.  So while it’s tempting to want to use an Agent who claims to save you thousands of dollars in commission fees, it’s really important to keep two things in mind.   #1 it is impossible to quantify that savings and #2, be mindful of the tried and true adage ‘you get what you pay for’. An Agent who works for very little (or free) isn’t necessarily the best choice. You want an Agent who can flawlessly orchestrate the marketing and sale of what is most likely your most expensive possession without leaving money on the table. You want an expert negotiator working for you.  It’s very risky to go with the lowest bidder.

What To Look For In An Agent

The following are a couple of factors to keep in mind when looking for a listing agent:

1.  Experience and Expertise.You want a full-time Agent who is familiar with your area and with the type of property you intend to sell. Does he or she employ a diverse range of marketing and advertising strategies? How tech-savvy is your Agent? How many similar properties has he or she been able to sell in the past?
2. Availability and Commitment.Your Agent should be capable of prompt and decisive action during the course of selling your property. Will your Agent make it a point to keep in touch with you on a regular basis? Can your Agent easily be contacted?  Does your Agent return calls, texts and emails promptly? Is your Agent available on the weekends or in the evenings when most buyers are out looking?
3. Rapport.Does your Agent take the time to listen to your goals and clarify your needs? Can your Agent understand your unique situation and be genuinely concerned about the outcome of the process? Your listing Agent will be your guide and partner in this crucial decision, so it is important to find one with whom you enjoy working.
4. Marketing Plan. How will the Agent market your home to Buyers and Buyer’s Agents? What is the Agents budget for marketing your home?