What To Think About Before Choosing A Real Estate Agent To Sell Your Home

I just listed a property last week. When looking for a real estate agent, I looked for a person who had similar listings to the property I was selling (in my case a rental duplex). Second I like to make sure the agent understands my goals in terms of time line and price. Third, communication is key. Good communication skills, both written and verbal are a must when chosing a real estate agent.

I always advise clients to interview at least two real estate agents. It's important to be able to communicate well with them and enjoy working with them personally. Professionally do they have a team or back up plan for when they are unavailable? Analyze their listings online - are the listings well written and are there lots of great photos? What is their marketing plan for your property?

We personally work behind the scenes with dozens of agents and have found there is a huge range of skills and professionalism -- since selling your home is a huge transaction, it's important to do your homework!

well, I changed 7 realtors or buying the house. so may be some tips there could be useful.

1) I found Realtors of two kinds

a. who want to make money without sharing even a dime with me. They never admitted that if myself "the customer" is not there, they have no chance to make money.

b. the second one who wanted to help me with my purchase expenses with a limited fixed portion for themselves.

when I compared the monetary benefits, I found b. category better. I bought house 8 months ago and my realtor was an excellent person. He kept a fixed amount out of commission and returned every other penny as thank you amount for bringing him my business and also issued tax form 1099.

So now if I have to sell my house, I would again be looking forwrad to kind b. coz i am the one who is trying to make money on my house and i would prefer the guy who makes a fixed commission and provides me "thank you" amount with tax form 1099.

I would also love if he serves as common broker to buyer and seller and agrees to take only one side commission. This would make sure I get maximum money from the sale.

hope that helps