10 Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You List Your Home
by Bonnie and Terry Westbrook
Most of us sell only a small number of homes in our lifetimes.
With limited experience in real estate how are we capable of
maximizing the profits from our home sale? Many home sellers
make the critical mistake of thinking all Realtors are the same.
They list with the first agent who comes along. Does it make
good business sense to put the responsibility of selling your
home with someone who has no plan or qualifications?
This article will educate you with valuable information that will
help you make the best decision concerning:
With which real estate agent should you list?
Start by doing a few hours of research. Ask around … talk with
someone who has had a positive experience with a Realtor in your
neighborhood. Find out which agents are highly visible in your
market area. Get to know who has the most web presence, ads
and marketing material in your neighborhood. Who’s the most
active agent? Compile a list of agent names and use these
questions to help you determine which agent is right for you.
Now you have the list –Google each one to see how they compare.
Make an appointment and ask the prospective agents the
following questions:
- Could you send me some information about yourself!
You can often get a good idea of which agents are the most professional
by looking at their promotional materials. If their own materials aren’t
professional, how well are they going to market your home? Track
how long each agent takes to respond to your request and how
quickly they follow up. If they don’t respond efficiently to your
Listing requests imagine how they’ll handle potential home buyers.
2. How many homes have you listed and how many homes have
you sold in the last six months? Look for an agent who has experience
with homes similar to yours and is active in your area. If your home
has special features look for an agent with experience in those
areas. Your agent should have a good record of selling homes, not
just listing them. After all, this is your ultimate goal.
Watch for the continuing series: 10 Questions You Should Ask a Realtor
____________________________________________________________________________
The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,
the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in
West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing
metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical
research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and
entertainment of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263