How to Choose A Listing Agent
What are the most essential questions to ask a Realtor when picking someone to represent you in a sale? Here are some of our the top questions (with my answers to these very questions noted by *).
Do you work as a Realtor full time? You might not want someone to represent you if it’s their side hustle and not their full time business. *Yes
How many homes have you sold in the area within the last year? Last 5 years? Does the Realtor show a track record of success and do they have the experience to guide you to the closing table? *I had the pleasure of representing buyers & sellers with 36 sales throughout 2021, and over 125 sales within the last 5 years.
How do you plan on marketing my home? This is an important question and you probably don’t want a Realtor who will do the bare minimum. A good Realtor should have a written Marketing Plan of how they intend to get your home sold professionally, efficiently and at the highest price the market will bear. *Ask about our Marketing Plan and what we do different than other Realtors
How will you communicate with me and how often? There’s no right answer to this question and it comes down to the client’s preference. As long as the form of communication is clear and reasonable expectations are identified, this will vary. You want someone who is responsive and has follow through. Often times in this day and age, a response is expected within 24 hours.
What are the pros and cons of my property? You want a Realtor who is willing to be honest and transparent with you. It’s better to identify marketing opportunities and challenges together, and try to collectively improve any deficiencies. *Connect with me for an idea of your home’s current value and what you can do to increase the value*
What makes you different from other Realtors? If the Realtor you are interviewing can’t explain why they are the best person for the job, maybe they’re not. Having the knowledge, experience and confidence to tell you what sets one apart from the rest of the industry can speak volumes when it comes to choosing a Realtor to represent you, especially with a lot of money on the line.
Will you provide me with a few references? Realtors with a good reputation should have multiple past clients who will answer a few of your questions when making a decision on who to hire. Don’t be afraid to ask for phone numbers and at minimum, ask for written testimonials. *Get in touch and I’ll be happy to provide references*
Graham Updegrove
805.459.1865
