Who is the right agent to sell your home?

This question has no perfect or right answer, but it does.  I know that it didn't sound like it made sense, it will.  Just like babies are not born with a parents manual, Realtors are a personal choice.  Realtors are not the same.  They do not have the same background or education.  The question is "who is the right agent to sell your home?"  So the answer has to be the one that sells it, right!  Well, maybe that is the answer but how do you find that one?

Ask questions, do you get the answers or double talk?  Remember you are going to trust this person with your most valuable asset and give them all kinds of personal information.  So:

• Are you confident they can market your home?
• Does the agent have experience, if not, I hope they tell you more than:  "since I do not have experience I will be able to spend all my time on your listing and sale".  That is great if they have a mentor, a solid training program and you would like to be part of their education, and let them learn while selling your home.
• Does the agent have a marketing plan personalized for your property?  Just like people no two properties are the same.
• Does the agent have a website?  A great website? 
• Will your home be posted on more than one website and multiple search engines?
• Will your home be featured on the website?
• Do they believe in color brochures?  I have come across more than one agent that says a brochure box means I do not get a call.  If I do not have a brochure box they have to call me.  Then I can get them as a possible client too!  So is it about selling your house or more clients?
• Will your home be listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) so Realtors in your region will have access to the listing immediately?
• If you have a cable channel for home sales, will yours be listed there too?
• Magazine ads, with local and regional distribution.  People pick up real estate magazines are looking specifically for real estate.
• Will the agent host open houses? 
• Does the agent use direct mail to target buyers?  I outline for my listings, where the buyer is going to come from, I just don't know their name!  If the agent is well trained they will know the demographics of where the likely neighborhood the buyer will come from.
• Will your property be listed with relocation companies so new buyers coming into the area will be exposed to your listing?
• The next thing is can you get along with the agent?  That sounds odd but if the agent rubs you the wrong way you won't work well together and you will question every move.  It is a matter of trust again.

This is only a partial list of things to consider but it should help you find the right agent before you list.  If you have any questions or comments drop me an email.  I hope this has helped identify some of the features and benefits you should expect from your selling agent.

Sincerely
Gary White
Associate Broker