1. What is your company’s track record and reputation in the market place? It may look like everyplace you look, Real Estate brokers are touting about being #1 for this or that or quoting the number of places they’ve sold. You may be stunned to know that some agents sell less than 10 homes a year.
2. What are your marketing plans for my house? - Just putting a sign on your lawn and having open homes will not sell your home. How much money does this real estate agent spend in advertising the homes he or she lists versus other real estate brokers you are interviewing? In what media does this broker promote?” Look for an agent with a specific marketing plan.
3. Could you send me some information about yourself? - You can oftentimes get a good idea of which agents are the most professional by looking at their marketing materials. If the marketing pieces aren’t professional and they can’t market themselves effectively, how are they going to market your home? Track how long every agent takes to react to your request and how promptly they follow up. If they don’t reply efficiently to your listing requests, think how they’ll handle potential home buyers
4. What listing price do you recommend and what is it supported on? - Pricing is the most crucial step to selling your house. Take great care in choosing an broker with the knowledge to price your house effectively. Keep in mind that the selling price should draw potential buyers to your house, get you top dollar in the current marketplace and reflect the condition of your home. Be practical and avoid: “Yes agents” who will say ‘yes’ to any request or price. Your house could languish on the market as a result.
5. What is your average duration of time from listed to sold? - Don’t automatically assume the shorter time on the market, the better. That could reflect undervaluing houses and selling them quickly at “low ball” prices. Look at the original asking price compared to the actual selling price. A Real Estate Agent who sells close to the asking price is effective at determining the right price and assisting clients get it.
6. What Form of Guarantee Do You Offer? If you sign a listing or buying agreement with the agent and later find that you are unhappy with the arrangement, will the broker let you cancel the agreement? Will the broker stand behind thier service to you? What is thier company's policy about canceled agreements?
7. How long is the listing agreement and what are the fees? - Make your agent go over all the particulars. Make sure the beginning and ending dates are on the agreement, a good standard for length is six months. Know precisely what fees you will be paying, and remember less is not always better. If the broker stands to make very low commission, you can bet it will be reflected in the amount of time and effort that is spent marketing your home. If the agent reduces their commission to get your listing, it may mean they intend to spend very little money advertising your property.
8. Can you refer me to a Reputable Mortgage Broker, Lender or Real Estate Attorney? This question reveals how participating the real estate broker is, and how well connected they are professionally. In the selling process you will require the services of a reputable, competent mortgage broker, lender, title company etc. Your real estate agent should be able to give you a few names on the spot if they are committed and diligent with their practice as a professional Realtor.
My hope with this write up has been to educate you and help you avert the pitfalls many home sellers go through. I hope you found the ideas valuable and if there is ever some way I can be of service to you or anyone you care about, please visit my website http://www.pmfmtg.com
P.S. Snatch your Free Insider Report Six Insider Secrets Mortgage Banks and Lenders Don't want you to learn.
Author
Louis Vela
