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It has been proven that selecting a real estate agent based on the following guidelines will give you the best opportunity to achieve the best possible result.
1. Experience
Your preferred agent should have at least 5 years experience and a proven sales record. Ask for references and don't settle for second best. An experienced and qualified agent costs you no more than one with little or no history in the business.
2. Personal Character
Another important factor is how comfortable you feel in the presence of an agent and in their ability to sell your home. Choose an agent who listens to you, after all you know your home best. An agent who is understanding and has good communication skills will ensure a pleasant working relationship is formed and accordingly the sale of your property will be a positive and fruitful exercise. Naturally the agent should always be well groomed and mannered as they are representing you and your major asset.
3. Marketing
Once the above criteria has been met it is important to consider what an agent has to offer. For instance, an agent who provides a marketing program designed to suit your individual needs and a market analysis, detailing comparable properties that have recently sold as well as those currently on the market, is involving you in the sale process. This then enables you to make correct and educated decisions. Erecting a "For Sale" sign and waiting for drive-by buyers is not going to achieve the result a personal marketing program will.
4. Added Value
Finally, select an agent who is prepared to work hard to achieve the best possible market price for your property and not someone who insists "the first offer is often the best". Finding the buyer who appreciates your property more than others can sometimes take a little longer however shouldn't cost you anymore and is always well worth the wait.
Things to be aware of:
5. Agents Who Seek Long-term Listing Agreements
I so often hear complaints from owners bound by long-term agreements who after an initial period of ineffective activity received little or no service. If your property is marketed correctly it should sell within a 6 week period. If your property has not sold then you and your agent should meet to discuss why not. At that time and if you are comfortable to do so an extension of the agency can be granted.
6. Agents Who Provide Inflated Appraisal Figures
The first month is most critical to the sale of your home as all the existing buyers in the market should be inspecting your property. If your asking price is too high potential buyers only see negatives and lose interest. An inflated asking price will also make other comparable properties on the market appear better value. In effect your "over priced" property is helping other people sell their homes. It is common for agents who offer inflated appraisals to eventually ask for a price reduction stating a variety of excuses. However, statistics show that once you get into a price reduction treadmill you often achieve a lot less than what you would have if it was priced correctly from the beginning of the campaign.
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