With a new job, I have to relocate to another state and am needing to sell my house. This is my first house that I have owned, so I am unfamilar with looking for a real estate agent. I do not want to use the agent I had when I bought the house. So what are things that I should look for in a real estate agent? What questions should I ask them? Is this something I should shop around? Also, I need to get the house sold quickly (my job wants me to start ASAP), but I do want to make some $$, any advise?
Thank you so very much!
2007-01-04 08:41:30 · 5 answers · asked by Anne Marie 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Go to a few offices and listen for the sound of a phone ringing, you don't want listed with a dead office. Look for a listing each office has and ask questions to the floor agent about that same home. A good office tours its listings and promotes them efficiently. If the agent has to look the house up on computer then go elsewhere. You want your house sold not just in the MLS. Of the agents you are impressed with ask them just 1 extra question beyond whatever you need for your own good feeling. If we price this house properly as supported by its condition and comparable sales, will you personally buy it if you cant sell it within 40 days. I have given that guarantee in writing for over 18 years and not once had to buy their home. I had to really work hard as the clock was running and their price was always at the top of what the market would bear. Any agent worth their fee will take such a agreement because they know they are that good. One that balks at such a question deep down knows they are not as effective as they could or should be. Lastly you might also look at a company that has a good re-lo department so you can, if necessary, move sooner.
2007-01-04 09:15:03 · answer #1 · answered by Kevin H 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I don't know what area you are in, but in my area, real estate is averaging 120 days on the market before receiving an offer. Get a new realtor and tell the new realtor that you only want to look at properties with no offers pending. Make it clear to the realtor that you will not get into a bidding war over a piece of property, especially with so many bank foreclosures on the market at this time.
2016-03-29 07:53:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with a reputable company that has been around for a long time, and one that has a successful track record of sales. Stay away from the huge businesses...Century 21, Remax, etc. You're just a number to them. A lot of Realtors have their own websites, separate from their company. (Think of Realtors as subcontractors.)
Also, it is good to know that if you are purchasing a new house in your new city, any agent from any company can show you a house/sell you a house. It doesn't have to be anyone from the company who has the house listed.
As far as selling your house goes, I'd definitely get it appraised first. The real estate company that I work for has 2 on-staff appraisers. The general fee is $300.
Good luck!
2007-01-04 08:47:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The most important thing to look for in any kind of business relationship is communication. Some Realtors make a mistake by not following up with their clients and transactions. As far as selling your home, ask your friends for good recommendations. I am a Realtor and here is how some of my clients that I didn't know before hired me. They placed ads in a local newapaper as FSBOs (for sale by owner). Most FSBOs get more calls from Realtors than from potential clients. Then, my past clients evaluated each Realtor that contacted them and hired the one who seemed to be on top of things, and also agressive. Since you need to move ASAP, you may not have the luxury of spending time researching a lot of agents, so the best thing to do is to ask your friends to refer you to a good Realtor. If you are moving to L.A. and need more information about our area, you may send me a message. Good luck.
2007-01-04 11:00:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the most important attribute a Realtor can have is personality. Choose someone you feel comfortable with. You are going to be working with them pretty closely in the next couple of months. Selling it fast generally has little to do with the actuall Realtor, but with the market period. Ask them what they do for fun, members of social groups etc. The more groups and activities they are involved with the better they work. If you are moving out of state ask your job to recomend an office.
2007-01-04 08:54:05 · answer #5 · answered by Jim B 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋