How to Choose a Real Estate Agent for Selling

If you want to take the stress out of selling your home, then you need to find yourself a good selling agent who will make the process simpler for you. There are several ways to find an agent and with a bit of knowledge you could end up finding yourself a lifelong friend as well.

Referrals are a great place to start, do you know someone who has completed on sale recently, do you trust them? If the answer to both of the above is yes, then this could be a great place to start looking. Most people find their agent this way but if this is not an option for you lets see what else we can suggest.

The internet is everyone’s favorite tool, and this could be another good way to find an agent. There are many tools online to help you compare agents in your area, read feedback from previous clients, how many houses have they currently sold, what are the negatives, if any? All great things to look for when browsing potential agents.

Free at the weekend? Why not drive round your local area and check out the housing market? Look at the for-sale signs and see if you can find repeat agents, or even better can you see any sold signs? Open houses are also a way of vetting potential agents as it gives you a chance to see how they interact with potential buyers. Strike up a conversation with an agent and see if you click personally and professionally.

It is recommended that when you meet with agents you meet at least three. Don’t just settle with the first person you meet, meeting with several gives you the opportunity to compare so that you find the perfect fit. This is basically a job interview so treat it like one, ask each agent the same questions so that you can complete your comparison. Usually, people will find one that stands out above the rest, this is your agent.

Be sure to explain YOUR needs, don’t let an agent railroad you into things you are not comfortable with. Tell them how you want to be contacted and how often you want updates. Clarify your timeline, let them know what your bottom price is, tell them if you do or don’t want open houses, how you want it marketed. If these things are clear from the off, then there can be no surprises down the line and if an agent isn’t happy with your requests, then you know they are not the right fit for you.

When you find the right agent you will know, they should be attentive, friendly, approachable, and focused on getting you the best price for your house. Good luck with your search!