Remember Me
forgot your password?

How To Choose A Real Estate Agent

If you're selling a home, you need a licensed real estate agent. It is feasible to sell your home on your own (i.e. For Sale by Owner), but without the proper knowledge of how to sell real estate and the paperwork and procedures involved, you could end up shooting yourself in the foot. Using a real estate agent to sell your home will cut back on headaches and ensure that all appropriate steps are being followed and documentation being completed.

Step 1 - Ask Around

If you've never dealt with a real estate agent before, ask your friends and family in the area if they recommend an agent. It's better to go with an agent that comes with a personal recommendation than choosing one blindly. You should also ask your neighbor if they know anyone, especially if your neighbors are new to the area. Asking around will key you in to some of the better real estate agents around and which ones to avoid.

Step 2 - Go to Open Houses

This might seem a bit strange, but if you want to find an agent that knows your area, you should go to open houses in your neighborhood. Even if you don't want to stay in that neighborhood, a local real estate agent is the way to go. Local agents know how much you can get for your home based on your neighborhood and the condition of your home, and can provide you with insight an out-of-area agent can't. So, visit a few local open houses and talk to the agents hosting them. If they aren't able to take on any addition sellers at the moment, they might be able to refer you to a fellow agent that knows the area and can help you get the best price for your home.

Step 3 - Choose a Reputable Real Estate Office

Real estate agents work out of real estate offices. They work with the office as independent contractors to help sell homes. When choosing a real estate agent, be sure to stick with the larger offices. A no-name office doesn't have the resources necessary to sell your home fast and for the best price. The bigger, more established real estate offices often have a network of agents and other real estate professionals that can serve you and your specific selling needs.

Step 4 - Take Names and Ask Questions

The bottom line is you're the customer when you're selling your home. You choose the real estate agent, they don't choose you. So, don't go with the first agent you find. Shop around. Ask your neighbors for references, go to open houses, and visit the larger real estate offices in your area. Write down the names and contact information of some of the better agents you meet. Then, sit down and choose 3 or 4 agents you like and start analyzing. Think about which one will get you the best price for your home and, most importantly, work with and help you throughout the entire process. Some agents can get top-dollar for your home but are very difficult to work with on other areas of the deal (i.e. completing paperwork, escrow, etc.). If you can't decide on an agent, call you top choices and set up an interview. Have them bring their resume and proof that they're a licensed real estate agent. Most agents will be willing to sit down with you and give you their sales pitch. If they aren't, then it's obvious they aren't willing to dedicate themselves to helping you with selling your home.

Selling your home is a big event. The home selling process is a large undertaking that requires the expertise of a real estate agent. So if you're thinking about selling your home, don't go it alone. Use the steps above and find a reputable, reliable, and helpful real estate agent.

Brad Stroh

Brad Stroh is currently co-CEO of Freedom Financial Network and Bills.com. If you would like more of Brad's articles, please visit the Bills.com information on Mortgages.

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Advertising Articles
  • More from Brad Stroh

Creativity IS the Essence In Folder Printing

By: jeff Risk | 16/11/2009
Folders are such unique and versatile printing products that can catch your eyes immediately. However, you would need to use your artistic skills, rational knowledge and creativity so as to create an eye catching folder printing designs. Online folder printing company is providing custom folder printing services to its exciting customers worldwide in a dramatic manner.

Call Centre Technology- Derived from Innovation

By: Mich | 16/11/2009
Nowadays, because of the ever increasing demand for speed, traditional communicating has been replaced by instant and more convenient way. Especially with businesses today

Advertising & Marketing Tips

By: CODANK WEB DESIGN | 16/11/2009
Marketing whether online or away from the World Wide Web is a great and unique way to better benefit your company. Small to large companies are inventing remarkable strategies to help promote the brands that they represent.

Increase Your Marketability through Customized Brochure Printing

By: charen smith | 16/11/2009
A brochure printing is a good way to promote something that you need promoting.

Persuasive Brand Strategy

By: Che Cruz | 16/11/2009
Every brand needs an identity much more it needs a highly effective brand strategy. When a good advertising agency has come up with the ideal brand names and designs, next thing would be the kind of marketing style. Advertising is really important because the revenue relies into it as we all know. This marketing strategy should be well planned and guided by well experienced sales oriented people. Don't ...

When to Call Catering Suppliers?

By: Che Cruz | 16/11/2009
For any occasion, you can always count on catering suppliers to help make the occasion memorable by supplying you with everything you need to make the day truly memorable. They do not only provide you with the food they cook in their own kitchens but if you want, they can cook for you inside your home for a truly homey feel. One of the fast becoming popular ways of hosting a party is to have a chef ...

Green Screen Studio Hollywood

By: Brian Vixsen | 16/11/2009
http://www.atomicstudios.com My name is Phil Guye owner of Atomic Studios. If you need a place to shoot green screen or just need some free technical information or tips, give me a call at (323) 851-3825 or email at phillipguye@hotmail.com.

Accessorising Signs: Things You May Use to Enhance Them

By: Luke Wildman | 16/11/2009
There are different ways to enhance your business signs. Accessorising them is possible with other products. Learn more about these items that complement well with your banners.

Options To Consolidate Credit Card Debt

By: Brad Stroh | 18/11/2006 | Advice
Consolidate Credit Card Debt When managing your existing credit cards seems overwhelming, one effective way to ease both the financial and emotional burden of the cards is to consider the option to consolidate credit card debt.

How To Choose A Real Estate Agent

By: Brad Stroh | 31/10/2006 | Advertising
If you're selling a home, you need a licensed real estate agent. It is feasible to sell your home on your own (i.e.

Debt Counseling Tips

By: Brad Stroh | 31/10/2006 | Advice
Demand for debt counseling is at a record high; 17 straight quarterly fed rate hikes, slowing home values (harder to get a debt consolidation loan), rising tuition costs, rising gas prices, bankruptcy reform... the list of consumer catalysts into debt couns

How A Reverse Mortgage Works

By: Brad Stroh | 31/10/2006 | Mortgage
Ever wonder how a reverse mortgage works? For folks that have lived in their home for a long time, they may very well be sitting on a gold mine.

Get Your Credit Report

By: Brad Stroh | 28/10/2006 | Advice
Get Your Credit Report & Analysis It is very important to get your credit report and analysis.

Student Loan Advice And Information

By: Brad Stroh | 28/10/2006 | Advertising
Student Loans For many students, the dream of getting a higher education just isn't possible without the financial aid of a student loan. Fortunately, there are many opportunities out there to apply for and receive a student loan.

Home Equity Basics Explained

By: Brad Stroh | 11/10/2006 | Advertising
What is Home Equity? Purchasing a home is a huge event in anyone's life. It's an investment that, over time, will yield you a significant profit. As the years progress, the value of your home will increase.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (1.74, 5, w2)