What to look for in a Realtor

I found this info at about.com. Just look at the questions and see how you stack up and in the second section think of how you would answer if asked these in a listing presentation.

Which agency’s ads or Web sites are the most appealing?

Which agencies consistently feature virtual tours on their Web sites?

Do property descriptions make you want to schedule an appointment to see the listings?

Does the agency provide multiple photos of homes in their ads or on the Web? Are they of good quality?

Which agencies advertise in multiple publications? On radio or TV?

Was their Web site easy to find when you searched for homes for sale in your town?

Ask your friends for agent referrals. Have they worked with an agent who did a great job?


Interviewing Agents

Ask agents to explain the marketing tactics that will be used to sell your house, including print, Web and other types of advertising (you’ll already know much of this if you’ve done your research).

Will the agency place your house in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) immediately? Making your home available to every affiliated agent greatly increases the buyer pool.

Find out if the agency belongs to more than one MLS. In some areas there’s an overlap of popular neighborhoods, making multiple memberships important.

What’s the agency’s commission rate? How does it compare to that of other agencies that offer the same services?

Find out how long they want you to list with them, keeping in mind that the time is usually negotiable.

What’s the average length of time it takes to sell a house in your area? What is the company’s average?

How long has the agent been licensed to sell real estate?

What percentage of the agency’s listings sell during the initial listing contract period?

How often can you expect to receive buyer feedback? Weekly, twice a month, after every showing? Will the feedback be written? (Buyer feedback is an important tool. If everyone makes the same negative comment about your property, you should consider working on the problem. )

Will the agent hold an open house for other real estate agents? For buyers?

How are showings handled? Will you receive advance notification that someone is coming? How much notice is typical? (You can put restrictions on showings–certain days or times are off-limits–but that may drastically cut down on the number of times your home is shown.)

If you have pets, make sure the agent is committed to a plan that ensures their safety. If it’s a dog that bites, you will need a plan for buyer safety, too.

Does the agency use lockboxes? Many agencies place a key inside a box that is secured to your home. Ask the agents to explain how it works.

If your new home will be in the same area, ask the agent any questions you might have as a buyer. You may choose to use the same agent to buy and sell.

Ask agents to give you an estimate of typical seller closing costs.

Excise taxes.

Attorney or other professional fees.

How your share of property taxes for the year is calculated

Your share of property owner association fees, etc.

The real estate commission.

Any other expenses that sellers are typically expected to pay for. (Surveys, inspections, certifications, etc. Customs differ around the US.)

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