A Multi-Family Home

Are You Entrusting Your Home Listing To The Right Agent?

by Arnold Gomez

Even a great home doesn't always sell itself; it can take the help of the right real estate agent to close the sale. That's why choosing the right real estate agent is a big decision. Before you entrust your listing to an agent, make sure that they meet the criteria below. 

Are They Tech-Savvy?

One of the first things to look at is if your real estate agent understands the technologies that are disrupting the real estate sector. Many homebuyers are using online sources to learn about homes and compare home values. Your real estate agent should be able to give you a run-down on the hottest real estate tools and listing sites being used now. That way, you know that they'll be able to use technology to analyze the current market and give your property listing great online visibility.

Do They Know Your Town Well?

Your agent should also be able to tell you what types of features people are looking for when shopping for homes in your town. Buyers in some cities will be looking for proximity to certain landmarks, while others will be looking for pools. 

Do They Understand Financing and Legalities?

A great real estate agent should be able to make complicated legal and financial issues a breeze. You may have a few potential buyers that ask for certain allowances, such as the option for FHA financing or rent-to-own agreements. They may ask you to knock a sum off the price or guarantee your appliances. The best real estate agents should be able to counsel you on these tricky situations when they arise. When you're vetting real estate agents, you might want to ask them about some of these legal topics to see what they know. 

Do They Charge a Reasonable Fee?

The standard commission amount hovers around 6 percent for homes on the market, so if you're at this mark or below, then you're doing great. You may be able to bargain for a lower commission rate, especially if your house is being priced at a great price and is predicted to sell easily. Although commission prices matter, it's not the only thing to consider when choosing a real estate agent. When you think about all that goes into working with a real estate agent, you'll quickly see that an agent who is experienced, has a great personality, and has a track record of success can be much more valuable to your peace of mind than an agent that charges 1 or 2 percent less.   

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