Should I use a Real Estate Agent?

Most home sellers decide to use a Real Estate Agent. They feel more comfortable entrusting the sale of their house to a professional rather than trying to do it themselves. Modern Real Estate transactions typically incorporate many legal and financial complexities, making them more difficult and time consuming. Many people would rather pay a commission on the sale of their house than have to deal with these details.

There are also other reasons to use a Real Estate Agent. For instance, many Agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) so that large numbers of buyers will have access to the seller's property. In most cases the Agent absorbs all of the cost of advertising and marketing. The Agent also screens potential buyers, and handles the bulk of the details of negotiation.

So the question remains: Do I use an agent or not? The answer depends on your confidence in your own abilities. If you feel that you can handle all of the details, advertise appropriately, and negotiate a fair price, then you may well want to attempt selling your house on your own. If not, you most likely will want to use an Agent and leave the details to them.

So how do you choose an effective Agent? How do you determine whether an Agent will do a good job? Here are some things to look for and consider when finding, evaluating and choosing an Agent.

What to look for in an agent.

First and foremost you should look for an Agent with a sense of professionalism. You want an agent who takes his job seriously, and whose demeanor will impress buyers as respectable. Along these same lines, be sure to select a full time Agent. There are many who work part time and keep another career. This means that they won't be as committed to selling your house, and most likely don't have the advertising or marketing abilities desired. Make sure your agent is familiar with the area in which your home is located, and that he frequently sells homes in that price range. Also look for references from previous sellers. A good agent will have good recommendations.

Where to find an agent.

You should ask family, friends and co-workers about Real Estate Agents they have used to get both positive and negative feedback. Make sure they only give you references for agents they used for selling a home, not buying one. And also check your local newspapers and homes magazines. Look for agents who have prominent advertisements. This indicates that they have enough marketing budget and experience to sell your home effectively. But try and avoid an agent to has too many listings to be able to give you individualized service.

Questions to Ask a Prospective Agent

Don't be afraid to ask questions of a prospective Agent. And don't be afraid to say no to an Agent if you don't like their answers. Ask them whether they work full time, to make sure they have the dedication required to do a good job. Find out how long they've been in the Real Estate business. There is no substitute for experience. And make sure they are on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). This will increase your house's exposure to potential buyers and expedite the sale. Ask for references of recent clients, and don't be afraid to contact them and ask about the agent. Ask how many homes they sold in the last year in your area, and about their marketing plan for your house. And discuss how they plan on keeping you informed of their progress. You're most likely paying your agent several thousand dollars to sell your home. Make sure they're working hard for your money.