Your agent's major objective should be to sell your home quickly and for the best possible price. The agent you select should have more than three years' experience, know your neighborhood, be a member of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and be able to demonstrate a history of results.
It's a good idea to interview at least three agents before making a choice, so you can compare the way they approach a potential assignment.
- Ask each agent for his or her track record in your price range and neighborhood — compare list prices to sale prices and the time it took the broker to sell a home
- Learn how many listings expired without selling and the reasons why — that's a good gauge of a broker's dedication to marketing your home aggressively
- Make sure that your agent will formulate a detailed marketing plan that reflects actions to be taken in 30-, 60-, and 90-day intervals; include a contingency plan should the home remain unsold beyond that time
- Ask specifically how the agent plans to advertise your home
- Ask for references, and check them to verify that the agent lived up to promises made
- If you are being moved by your employer, check your relocation policy for guidelines on agent selection
It's the real estate agent's job to:
- Represent you, the seller
- Help you determine the value of your home and establish an asking price
- Provide fix-up tips
- Market the property in the most professional and efficient way
- Advertise and market the property on an ongoing basis
- Act as a liaison between other brokers and prospective buyers
- Relate all feedback from showings
- Submit all offers
- Help you negotiate with the buyer
- Remain actively involved from contract to closing
- Follow through on inspections, contingencies, and mortgage commitments
Before signing a listing contract:
- Have your agent prepare a written marketing plan which schedules agent previews, office tours, ad placement,houses, etc. for the first 30 days
- Get a Broker's Price Opinion (the broker's considered opinion of the lowest and highest prices that your home may bring on themarket)
- Verify commission amounts
- If your employer is helping you move, ensure that all clauses, particularly Exclusion or Right to Cancel clauses, have been included to conform to your employer's relocation benefit policy
