SELECTING THE RIGHT AGENT TO SELL YOUR HOME

As a prospective homeowner, selecting the right real estate agent is critical. An agent keeps you in the forefront of a rapidly changing industry where homes zip on and off the market. An agent also keeps you legally compliant when confronted with confusing contracts or tough negotiations.

The most reliable way to hire a strong agent is to investigate more than one specialist. Here are 10 tips to guide you.

1. Locate at least three real estate professionals.
   • Look around your neighborhood. Is the same for-sale sign in every other yard? Call this agent and arrange an interview.
   • Ask a neighbor or friend. Who helped them buy their home? Who would they hire if they decided to buy?
2. Interview the real estate professionals you identified. Having a conversation with the person is a good way to find out if your personalities and goals match. Here are things you want to ask.
3. Only work with a Realtor, not simply a real estate agent. Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors. They are generally full-time agents who have committed financially, educationally and professionally to being an expert in the real estate industry.
4. Full-time agents; "Hobby agents" aren't as capable of meeting your expectations because their attention is divided by other responsibilities. Limit your search to full-time real estate agents.
5. Compare interview notes. Think about each agent, and decide which one is right for you. You should choose someone aggressive, but who doesn't make you feel anxious or pressured.
6. Experience pays. Experienced real estate professionals often earn designations that separate them from the pack. These designations are earned through training that helps the agent become a specialist in certain areas. Pay attention to agents who have designations listed after their names on business cards. Specifically ask the agent what each one means.
7. Find an agent who is savvy about technology. Through the online tools available to agents these days, you can expect nearly immediate e-mails or very quick replies to your queries.
8. Ask for references. This shouldn't be a big deal; it's a last-step investigation that could confirm or reject your impression of the agent.
9. Select a strong negotiator. Ask your agent whether he or she has ever been in a tough negotiation and how he or she negotiated a fair price.
10. Talk money. Usually the seller foots the bill for a real estate professional's commission, but don't assume this will be the case. Ask point-blank what your financial obligations are throughout the process.

WHAT IS YOUR HOME WORTH

Pricing is the single most important factor in selling a home quickly and for top dollar. By overpricing your home, even if by 5% you take a large chance of having to reduce your price later lower than where you could of possibly accepted an offer sooner if you had priced it right to begin with. I do not want to have you lose good money by searching for what may not exist. This is why after I prepare a comprehensive market analysis of your homes value we will sit down together and discuss in detail what the best price is to insure your home SELLS and for top dollar.