Last Updated on February 14, 2024 by Nasir Hanif
This is a great time to sell your home. Home values are up over the last couple of years and they’re selling quickly.
The key to getting the highest sales price for your home isn’t the neighborhood or new deck that you just installed. It’s your real estate agent.
The average sales price of a home sold with a real estate agent is $318,000. Compare that to private sales by owners, which average $260,000.
You don’t need to know anything about curb appeal and contracts. You need to know how to find the best real estate agent. Keep reading to learn what you should look for when choosing a real estate agent.
Table of Contents
1. Why You’re Selling Now?
Are there special considerations that a real estate agent has to know about your sale? For instance, you might need to sell because of financial pressures or a relocation.
You might be motivated to time your sale for tax reasons or you need to get a certain amount of money for your home.
All of those reasons are important to know upfront. A good agent will understand your situation and have experience with similar conditions.
2. Interview Several Agents
You’ll start off your search by asking friends and colleagues for recommendations. You might be tempted to go with the first name that comes up.
They might not be the best real estate agent for you. Get at least three names and invite them to interview for your business.
You have a chance to get to know them and ask questions. Learn about their experience in the area, their commission rate, and what they do once they get the listing.
3. Communication Style
There are agents that you don’t hear from unless there’s a problem. There are others that are by your side at each step of the real estate sale. A company like Home Realty Company is a client-focused real estate company that works very closely with clients.
Ask prospective agents how they communicate. Some will pick up the phone, while others text or email. Work with an agent who has a communication style that matches your own.
4. They Give Possible Sales Prices
Real estate agents will compete for your listing, and some will say almost anything to get your business. They might guarantee how much they can sell your home for.
The best real estate agent will give you several possibilities. They know that there are a number of variables that impact the sales price.
5. The Listing Contract
Make sure that you fully understand the listing contract before you sign it. The contract lays out what tasks the agent performs. Be sure to know what’s expected of you.
The contract should be for a reasonable amount of time and commission rate.
How to Find the Best Real Estate Agent for Your Listing
Selling a house is never easy. It’s an emotional time and having the right real estate agent can help you through such a stressful time.
Now that you know how to find the best real estate agent, you’ll want to know how to get your home ready for sale. Check out the Home Improvement section of this site for more great advice.