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You should expect that not all real estate agents are the same so if you decide to seek the help of an agent when selling or buying your home, do your research.

An agent can cost or save you thousands of dollars.

There are few specific questions you should be asking to ensure that you get the best representation for your needs. It’s critical that you make the right decision about who will handle what is probably the single largest financial investment you will ever make.
 

1. What makes you different? Why should I list my home with you?

Real estate market became tougher than it was a decade ago so what unique marketing plans and programs does this agent have in place to make sure that your home stands out favorably versus other competing homes. What things does this agent offer you that others can’t? How can this agent help you sell your home in the least amount of time with the least amount of hassle and for the most amount of money?

2. What is your company’s track record and reputation in the market place?

I’m sure you will agree that success in real estate is selling homes. If one agent is selling a lot of homes while the other selling only handful, why this might be? What things are these two agents doing differently?

3. What are your marketing plans for my home?

What does s/he know about the effectiveness of one medium over the other? How much money does this agent spend in advertising the homes s/he lists versus the other agents? Ask them to describe the system they have for attracting buyers.

4. What has your company sold in my area?

Agents should bring a complete listing of their own and other comparable sales in your area.

5. Does your Broker control your advertising or do you?

If your agent is not in control of their own advertising then your home will be competing for advertising space not only with this agent’s other listings, but also with the listings of every other agent in the brokerage.

6. On average, when your listings sell, how close is the selling price to the asking price?

This information is available from the Real Estate Board.
Is this agent’s performance higher or lower than the board average? Their performance on this measurement will help you predict how high a price you will get for the sale of your home.

7. On average, how long does it take for your listings to sell?

This information is also available from the Real Estate Board. Does this agent tend to sell faster or slower than the board average? Their performance on this measurement will help you predict how long your home will be on the market before it sells.

8. How many Buyers are you currently working with?

The more buyers your agent is working with, the better your chances are of selling your home quickly. It will also impact price because an agent with many buyers can set up an auction-like atmosphere where many buyers bid on your home at the same time.

9. Do you have a reference list of clients I could contact?

Ask to see this list and start to spot check some of the names.

10. What happens if I’m not happy with the job you are doing to get my home sold?

Can I cancel my listing contract? Be wary of agents that lock you into a lengthy listing contract which they can get out of (by ceasing to effectively market your home) but you can’t. There are usually penalties and broker protection periods which safeguard the agent’s interests, but not yours. How confident is your agent in the service s/he will provide you? Will s/he allow you to cancel your contract without penalty if you’re not satisfied with the service provided?
 
Evaluate each agent’s responses carefully and objectively. Who will do the best job for you? These questions will help you decide.
 
If you are looking to sell your home, I will be happy to help you. Call me at 647-834-9928 or send me an email to [email protected]