SPREAD THE NET
Check local newspapers for at least three agencies: ring them and make clear you want to sell and would like to meet to hear their proposals; pay attention to how the receptionist handles your call – does he/she happily offer to pass your inquiry to the boss? In today’s market, many agents are reporting big dives in listing numbers, so they should be eager to earn the right to sell your biggest asset.
“Go to at least three agents including major brand names, and smaller local companies,” suggests Robb Fleischer from American Marketing Systems, Inc., (AMSI), San Francisco based rentals, property management and real estate sales company.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Nobody knows your market better than the real estate agent based in your market. They should have sold similar properties and should be working with potential buyers and other Realtors.
“You want an agent who is local to the subject property,” Mr Fleischer suggests.
THE INTERVIEW
You have lined up at least three face-to-face interviews with prospective agents. Watch the agent’s body language. Do they look over-confident, under-confident? Do you feel rushed? Are they well-presented?
COMMISSION
An agent’s sales commission depends on the property’s price. It is negotiable, and do not let it be the chief deciding factor when picking an agent, experts warn.
WHAT TO ASK
Frank Valentic, of Advantage Property Consulting, suggested direct questions about agent marketing strategies and negotiation skills.
“Ask why should we choose your company and who will be looking after me personally?” Mr Valentic said. “Do they have much property expertise and how many other clients will my agent be managing? Ask what similar properties the selling agent has sold recently and what was the result.”
One chief question may be: “What are you going to do to sell my house in this quieter economic climate?”
Based on article by CAROLINE JAMES published in Sunday Herald.
Tags: American Marketing Systems Inc., AMSI, choose agent, Find agent, interview, questions to ask, Robb Fleischer, sell house
