If you’re a first-time home seller or have already done it all before, then selling a property can be a stressful and difficult experience. According to a report by the real estate firm Zillow, over 80% of sellers prefer to list their homes with a real estate agent.
Most sellers also highly value the services of their agents, as they can help them find a buyer and negotiate a contract. Despite the advantages of using a real estate agent, almost one-fifth of sellers say it’s hard or very hard to find the right one. Here are a few tips to help you find the best real estate agent for your situation.
Compare agents online
One of the most effective ways to find a real estate agent is through the Agent Finder tool on Zillow. You can also compare the number of homes sold and the reviews of other agents in your area. Once you’ve narrowed down the list of potential agents, you can use other online tools to check their online presence. One great way to ascertain whether or not you would like to use a particular agent is to see how they respond to any negative or neutral reviews.
Check out the housing market in person
If you’re not able to go to the actual house in person, try looking for repeat agents on real estate signs in your neighborhood. According to a study conducted by us, about 5% of sellers find an agent through a for-sale advertisement, while 16% hire one based on their knowledge of them in the community.
Try going to an open house and observing how the agent interacts with potential buyers. You should take the time to get to know the real estate agent and not just leave without interacting with them. According to a survey, seven percent of home sellers find their agents during an open house.
Meet a couple of agents
Don’t settle for the first agent that you meet. According to a survey conducted by the firm, 56% of home sellers only contact one real estate agent. Instead, try talking to multiple agents to find someone who will be able to meet your needs. You might have a front-runner due to their local reputation or referral, but ask each of them the same questions to see how they respond to them.
Clarify your motivation for selling
Make sure that you have clearly stated all of the requirements that apply to your home sale. For instance, you may need to reach a certain bottom dollar or fall within a particular window to avoid capital gains taxes. Having these details in writing will allow your agent to know what to anticipate.
Agree on the important details
Having a clear understanding of what you’re getting into with the real estate agent can help you sell your home quickly and efficiently. Having written contracts also allows you and the agent to agree on the various terms of the sale.
Selling your house can be incredibly difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Hiring the right real estate agent can make listing your house infinitely easier.