We had a bad experience last time we sold our home, as the agent who "sold himself" to us a a top performer from his firm, was just a sleaze who bought up as many listings as he could and then waited for the commissions to come in. After 6 months we eventually fired him, and sold the house in a month.
We would like advice on what we should look out for to avoid this on our current house. We have plenty of time now, and plan to interview several candidates.
No Offense to any Realtors, but we want advice from regular consumers, not anyone currently working as a listing or buying agent.
2007-09-03 02:56:43 · 8 answers · asked by Carey R 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Word of mouth is better than anything.
I know it's hard to find a good Realtor especially after having a bad one.
When you do decide on a Realtor and they want you to sign an agreement with them as them being your "exclusive agent", tell them you only want to go 1 month, then month to month after that.
Some agents like to lock you into them for 6 months, no go this time, just tell them once bit, twice shy, nothing personal, but hey it's your decision.
I had the same problem, my home was on the market for over a year, no offers until she went on vacation.
I finally let her go and sold my home in 2 weeks with the new agent.
I wish I would have had a friend of mine call her on my house acting like a potential buyer just to see what she was saying about my home...something to think about on the new agent.
Good luck to you.
2007-09-03 03:23:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The way you should select a Realtor, and the way you should select an inspector and loan officer on the house you buy is by talking with friends or family that have recently bought or sold a home.
I know this seems very anti tech but people who are good at lieing on resumes or on web pages can look good to you until the rubber meets the road. Like you say talk to regular human beings.
Also listing with the guy that tells you the highest list price is not the best way to go either. Look at the data they bring you on the market analysis.
Which houses are the most similar to yours?
Why did it sell for less or more than the others?
Can this agent explain that?
How did you pick your second agent last time?
2007-09-03 03:56:49 · answer #2 · answered by glenn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Selling a house is often very stressful, but you can lower that stress with a good realtor. Here's what you need to look for: Someone that is willing to do open houses. Open houses get more people in your house in one day than any other way. I've even heard of people that aren't even looking for a house, going to an open house and suddenly decide they want to buy the house because they like it so much. Someone who will show your home every time he/she gets a chance. Most realtors have many properties listed at one time plus they can show all those listed elsewhere. Be sure your realtor will push you house and show it to everyone who is looking for that type of house in that price range. Find someone who truly believes in your house. A salesman has to believe in his product to do the best job at selling it. If a realtor does not like your house, although he can try hard to sell it, I believe it will be tough for him to truly represent your property. Find someone that will return phone calls. Realtors are busy people and at any one time they may be dealing with 10 or more clients. Be sure your realtor will find time to return your phone calls and to give you a daily update. If you get a daily update, they will work harder because they don't want to give you the same answer day after day. Find someone that will give you tips on selling. For example, they might suggest you paint a red wall a more neutral color, or they may recommend replacing the carpet. Though you spend money on some of these updates, it may increase the value by much more. It will also increase the chance that you will sell it quickly. Lastly, find someone that is honest. Realtors are required by law to point out if something is wrong with your house. This is not a bad thing. You want a realtor that will follow the law. Even if it makes the house slightly harder to sell, it will help you avoid lawsuits for misrepresentation down the road.
2016-05-20 00:54:39 · answer #3 · answered by allyson 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well Carey, I am a Realtor/appraiser in Minnesota and I feel bad that you had this problem. But I'm going to give you my best advise anyway, take or leave it because it's your choice.
Call the Brokers, not individual Realtors. Tell the Broker you want someone who has been in the business 5-10 years, has a CRS designation, has specifically has SOLD homes in your area (within a one mile radius). Another way to find a new Realtor, is to visit open houses in your area and talk with each agent. If you find one that you are comfortable with, ask them to help you. Best of Luck!
2007-09-03 03:44:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd get an adult who is experienced, but not a top performer yet - unless you want to sign a contract. I'm not in the biz, but since there are so many realtors out there, I'd get a personal reference. My parents had the same issue with their realtor, and when they threatened to sell elsewhere, it sold almost instantly.
Historically, top performers had better networking, but with the internet, it's mostly obsolete - get someone who is willing to negotiate their fees, work hard, and give you a concrete plan to move your house. I'm not in the biz, and don't know where you are, so here's the most ethical, hardworking realtor I know personally - we've worked together in the service industry, so I know how hard he works to satisfy.
He's probably not in your area, but you can email him questions and he can answer - and maybe recommend an agent for you to audit.
2007-09-05 08:46:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
chances are the listing Realtor not going to be the one to sell your house, so who cares if they're no 1 or 2 , you need to find a Realtor you feel comfortable with, your personality must match with your Realtor, if they don't you're always have a conflict on how to market your house.
2007-09-03 05:10:40 · answer #6 · answered by lynda d 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contact a local real estate agency and ask who their top 2-3 performers are. Don't pick the #1 person ... pick #2 or #3 because they will be kicking butt to take the #1 spot.
2007-09-03 03:19:48 · answer #7 · answered by jdkilp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. make sure they are honest
2. sells home a lot
3. they do what they tell you they will do
4. make sure you sign a cancellation agreement, in case 1 thru 3 don't work for you
2007-09-03 04:50:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋