Choosing a Realtor to get your home not just listed, but sold

MonopolyHousescard If you are like most people, the sale or purchase of a home is the highest dollar transaction in which you will ever take part. That reason alone means choosing the right Realtor to represent you in the sale of your home is critical. You may have already learned that all Realtors are not created equal…and that getting your home sold often involves more than just listing it for sale.

If your goal is to get your home sold, not just listed, it is crucial to connect with a Realtor whose goals match your own…and who has the knowledge and skill to carry it out.  In making your decision consider these three major areas…

1. Market knowledge

In today's evolving real estate market it is more important than ever that the person you choose to represent you has a good grasp of what the market is doing not only in your broad community, but also in your immediate neighborhood. All real estate is local, and that includes not only pricing but also condition. Who is your target buyer? How should you prepare and price your home to best appeal to that target market in your specific neighborhood?

Listen to how agents critique your home and come up with an estimated market price. The agent who says everything about your home is great and suggests the highest market price is likely not the best agent for the job…unless they offer good supporting evidence. The agent who is willing to risk offending you and losing your listing in order to help you get it sold will more likely be the one who will be able to bring you to the closing table.

2. Internet marketing presentation

With the vast majority of buyers doing most of their home searching online, your Internet presence is critical. Ask for examples, then put on your 'buyer' hat. Would what you see make you want to visit the property? I have had clients tell me they had family and friends contact them after they saw their home online, asking "is that really your house"?! That is exactly as it should be…it should look the best it can be…and better than your competition!

3. Communication

The single biggest complaint people have with Realtors is communication. When you call a prospective Realtor and leave a message or send an email, how long does it take for the agent to get back to you? It can also be an indication of how long it will take the agent to respond to potential buyers…you don't want to miss any opportunities. Another important indicator is the response itself…does the agent actually answer your questions when he or she responds? What do other clients say about their experience?

You may have noticed that commission was not on the list of primary factors to consider when choosing a Realtor to represent you. That is because choosing the right agent is different from choosing the cheapest agent. A lower commission often also means lower levels of service in the important areas above. It could also mean a lower commission to the buyer's agent, which could result in decreased interest in your property. Be sure to consider all factors involved and don't let the commission sway you too much. It doesn't matter what the commission is, if your property doesn't sell your proceeds are zero!

In addition to professional competency, perhaps the most important final deciding factor is how you feel. You will be working closely with this person. Is this someone you feel comfortable working with and feel you can trust…or do you feel uneasy?  Trust your gut.

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - EmailHomesMSP.com

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I love what I do! Highly insightful, analytical and creative, there is nothing I love more than helping you find the right solution for your real estate transition. My mission is to serve my clients with honesty and integrity, exceeding their expectations in service and support… and to help others by donating a portion of every transaction to Habitat for Humanity.

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The HomesMSP Team is committed to meeting you where you are and listening… really listening to understand you so we can use our extensive knowledge of the market and local neighborhoods to give you personalized service.