What to look for in a Seller's Agent???

Question

What should I look for in a seller's agent? I've only spoken with one and can't imagine others telling me anything different.

Don't they all have access to the same database of houses?

The agent I did speak with mentioned something about an 18 month "warranty" included if I decided to go with them. Didn't get the full details, but something to the effect that they will fix any plumbing, eletrical, etc issues at arrise in that time frame. I'm sure there's some kind of deductible... I've never heard of this type of warranty being provided by the agency.

Thanks

Answer 1

They do NOT have all have access to the same database of houses? There are several MLS "database of house" and they do not cross list. And there are many housing that are not of the MLS, such as exclusive listing, new homes short sales. And if a home been on the market for to long they will take it off the market and re-list it so it does not look like it is not selling. As you can see with each house that is not listed is will short the market and give the impression that there is not inventory and a shortage. This would in fact have buyers bid up and create a bubble by drive up prices-es. This web site show how they made this bubble.
http://www.breakingbubble.com/index.htm

Now that the market is crashing what do you know there is now a lot of inventory and prices are dropping. Do you relay think that everybody decided to sell at once.

Answer 2

The 18 mo. warrantee is a simple repair policy that you or they can buy. It costs around $400 per yr.

You must please try to make yourself interview at least 2 others.
There are vast differences in the actual agents. They may sound similar but some will strike you as efficient hard worker and some are not. The best Company to list your home with is a local co. one right in your own town, no out of towners.
Look at the newspaper, are they running ads? How long have they been in business? How long has your Agent been licensed are they a Realtor? If so the busn. card shows the word realtor and a R in a circle.

Visit this site to get information on what to look for in the selling process.
www.realtor.org

Visit
www.realtor.com

Look at homes for sale in your area and check them out for yourself.

Ask your coworkers and friends what agent they have used that they really felt did a good job. A referral like that is always the best way to go. This Agent has earned someones respect, they did a good job, when they are working for you they know that whatever goes on will get back to their former client, who they want to do business with again. This is by far the very best way to get a good Agent, whether a buying or selling agent.

Don't be afraid to ask for a discount on the commission. Especially if you are going to let them take you out to buy your next home.

My two favorite companies are Coldwell Banker and C-21. Now not every CB or c21 is terrific, but overall these companies train their agents how to do the job properly.

Very best of luck

Answer 3

They all have the same access to the mls. The difference is, some agents get out and sell, other just wait for some one to come and make an offer. You want a seller. Find the top 5% by volume agents in your area; those are the ones want to interview. I a slow market you may get extras like a warranty but that shouldn't be your deciding factor if you want to get the most for your property and sell it fast.

Answer 4

You've gotten some good advice so far. Let me add to it...

You are hiring somebody to do a job for you.

Ask for a resume and recommendations.

Interview these people in person.

Ask each person what he/she will do to market the property. You want to hear specifics.

Keep in mind, you are the boss. If any one of them doesn't call you back as promised, refuses to answer a question, is evasive, or talks down to you, politely end the interview as soon as possible and move on to the next interviewee.

Those you are interested in working with: check references. A good question to ask; Does the reference knows anyone else that used the Realtor? If so, call those people and ask questions.

Good luck!

Answer 5

You can negotiate if you want but it comes down to the same as hiring anyone for anything. Do you want the cheapest or the person that will work the hardest and not just sign you up and wait for something to happen? The only way you are going to make a good decision is to talk to several first.

Answer 6

i dont know