Selling your home can be stressful. In fact, in recent surveys conducted by Zillow more than three quarters of Americans who have sold their home say it was “a very stressful experience” and 36% of home sellers were so stressed throughout the selling process that they cried! Even thinking about the process can prevent some homeowners from moving.
What makes it so challenging? The surveys revealed that 70% were stressed by uncertainty over the sale price, 69% worried that their home wouldn’t sell in the desired timeframe, 65% were concerned that an offer would fall through, and 65% were anxious about fixing their home up for sale. It’s a lot to think about.
While we can’t remove all the stress involved in selling your home, we can offer some sage advice: Hire a professional seller’s agent to help you with the process. An experienced real estate agent can help you navigate the home sale process and reduce your anxiety. These professionals have the tools and knowledge needed to help you sell your home in any market. Of course, it’s important to find a qualified agent that you can trust and best fits your needs.
How to Find a Great Agent
Seller’s agents (sometimes referred to as listing real estate agents) can make a big difference in how quickly your homes sells and at what price, so it’s wise to do some research before hiring someone. Like most things these days, you can simply Google real estate agents, but the information you find may not be complete. You can also compare agents and read real estate agent reviews from previous clients. However, the best way to determine whether an agent is a good fit is to conduct an interview during which you ask these important questions:
1. What are your credentials?
It’s perfectly acceptable to ask to see an agent’s real estate license. At the very least, an agent should have a state license and belong to the local real estate association which gives them access to the multiple listing service, or MLS. This allows the agent to reach more potential buyers.
2. Do you have a list of referrals?
Many agents bring a list of referrals to an initial meeting, but if they don’t, ask them for a list of client names and numbers to call. References can give you a better understanding of how this agent works throughout the selling process.
3. How many sales did you close last year?
Past performance is not a guarantee of future success, but a successful track record is a good indicator that this agent knows what he or she is doing. You can ask how many clients they’ve worked with and about the price range of the homes they’ve sold (Does your home fall in this range?). You can also ask for recommendations from previous clients.
4. Do you have local experience?
When an agent specializes in certain neighborhoods, they are more likely to be aware of upcoming developments in the area that may affect the value of your property. A local “expert” will also have a better idea of what buyers are looking for in your area, how quickly your home will sell, and the price you can expect to get. In other words, they understand the market in your neighborhood.
5. How do you determine a listing price?
While most people are focused on getting the highest price possible, it’s more important to list your home for the “right” price. If a property is priced too high, it will not generate much traffic and may even turn off potential buyers. On the other hand, a home priced too low might leave money on the table. Like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the price needs to be “just right.” If your agent is knowledgeable about the local market (see question 3) and what similar homes have sold for, he or she can help you determine the best listing price. Your realtor should be able to present you with a comparative market analysis that compares your property to recently sold homes in your area.
6. Will I be working with you directly or with a team?
In some agencies, there is a team of agents, and you may not work with one specific person. Having a team can make some things easier, such as showings, but it can also be confusing and hard to communicate. Be sure to ask how the agency works and how communications will be handled (see question 9).
7. How much will it cost to sell my home?
It’s important to understand, up front, what costs are involved in the transaction, such as broker’s commission and closing fees, so you can plan accordingly. Commissions are negotiable & closing fees can vary widely so you should compare costs. All costs should be covered in the listing agreement.
8. What is your marketing plan?
Homes don’t sell themselves, so ask how the agent plans to market your home. Experienced agents typically have a written plan that includes how they will attract buyers (e.g., listing services, open houses, social media). Will he or she provide professional photography/videography, a custom website, a 3D walkthrough, or other tools? Remember, attracting more potential buyers and creating higher demand can mean a higher selling price and a quicker sale.
9. What do I need to do to get my home ready?
Experienced agents can provide good advice for making repairs or upgrades that can help sell your home. They should be able to suggest budget-friendly improvements and recommend or offer staging services. Beware of agents that suggest spending a lot of time and money on things that won’t provide a return-on-investment. You’re looking for low- or no-cost fixes that will make the biggest impact.
10. How will we communicate?
There are a lot of moving parts when selling your home, so good communication is key. Discuss your preferred method of communication (i.e., texts, emails, phone calls) and how often you can expect to communicate during the process. Will this agent be available to answer questions and respond in a timely manner?
Some people have likened the process of choosing a real estate agent to dating. You’re meeting someone for the first time and trying to determine if it’ll be a good fit. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions and get the answers you need to make a good decision. You should also get a feel whether this person is empathetic and makes you comfortable, because you’ll be working closely with them.
If you’re planning on selling your home, please don’t cry! We can help you get through the process with less stress and more peace of mind.
