When you make the decision to sell your home, you are embarking on a journey that is stressful and frustrating at times. But, once you get all the way through it, there are rewards to be had. One of the smartest decisions you can make is to work with a real estate agent to sell your home.
๐ค Why Do I Need a Real Estate Agent?
Many people think they can sell their home successfully without the help of a real estate agent. They probably feel that they will be saving money because they don’t have to pay an agent’s commission. Unfortunately, they do not realize the value a real estate agent adds to such a transaction. So, when a seller fails to use the services of an agent, they are probably losing money rather than saving. A real estate agent can help you set the right price for your home. They also have access to buyers who are ready to buy your home. An agent can also list your home so that it will be seen by a wider market than what you could do on your own. The value of a real estate agent cannot be overstated.
๐ง How to Find a Real Estate to Sell a House
There are several different ways to find a real estate agent to sell your home. If you know of someone who’s recently sold their home, you can ask them for a referral to the real estate agent they used. Referrals are a great way to choose an agent because you can also ask about the experience and how that agent was to work with before you even meet the agent. Other ways you can find a real estate agent is to:
- Perform an online search
- Attend an open house
- Check your local newspaper for print ads
- Take note of listing signs for homes for sale in your neighborhood
โ Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent
Once you find a real estate agent who meets your standards, you need to set up an interview. The job you’re asking them to do for you is very important and you want it done right. Therefore, you need to ask essential questions to ensure you have the right agent for the job. Some of the questions you might ask include:
- How many years have you been in the real estate business?
- How many homes per year, on average, do you sell?
- What is your educational background?
- What are your fees and are they negotiable?
- Do you work full-time or part-time as a real estate agent?
- Which aspect of the selling process will you personally handle, and which tasks will be delegated to others?
- What is your marketing plan to sell my home?
These are just a few questions you can ask. You should keep asking questions until you’re comfortable the agent will meet your needs.
๐ฅ What If I Want a Different Agent
Sometimes, things don’t work out. Maybe you chose an agent with whom you thought you were comfortable. But, once you started working with them, you had second thoughts. Although you may feel awkward about telling your agent that you are going to use another agent, it is for the best. If your agent is professional, they will understand your feelings and will simply wish you success. If you don’t want to confront your agent, rest assured the new agent whom you’ve chosen will be glad to sever the ties for you.
๐ค Should I Hire a Friend or Family Member
You should use caution if a family member or friend offers to sell your home. Those with whom you have personal relationships usually do not make good business partners. For instance, your friends and family are comfortable with you. This comfortable feeling might mean you are going to do a clear majority of the work of selling your home yourself. They may not mean to, but they will focus their attention on other clients while neglecting your needs. Another reason why you might shy away from family and friends for this process is that if something doesn’t go right with the sale of your home, there could be hard feelings. Such feelings can really damage personal relationships that can take a long time to repair. Therefore, the best advice you can follow is to find a real estate agent with whom you have no personal ties.
Selling your home takes time and patience. Working with the right real estate agent will lessen the burden and stress of the process so choose carefully.
Your real estate agent is the best source of information about the local community and real estate topics. Give Simmsational Real Estate Group a call today at (954) 709-8258 to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.