Seller Info

Why Use an Agent

Of all the decisions you'll face when selling a home, there's none more important than the person you choose to represent you. Most Americans agree that when it comes to buying or selling a home, a transaction of this magnitude requires the guidance of a professional. In fact, nearly four out of five homebuyers and sellers enlist the help of a real estate agent.(The 2000 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS¨ Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers).

To better understand whom you'll be dealing with, let's look at the basics. The two most common types of agents are seller's agents and buyer's agents. A seller's agent represents the interests of the seller and, not surprisingly, a buyer's agent represents the interests of the buyer. Contrary to popular belief, not every agent is a REALTOR¨. REALTORS¨ are real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS¨ and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.

Aim to select someone who is knowledgeable and with whom you feel comfortable. It almost ensures a productive and mutually rewarding relationship.Your real estate professional should be:

• Knowledgeable about the communities of interest to you
• Aware of the complicated local and state requirements affecting your transaction
• Effective in multi-party, face-to-face negotiations
• Highly-trained, with access to programs for continued learning and additional certifications
• Technology-focused
• Assisted by a fully-staffed marketing department
• Supported by professional legal counsel

Whether you're buying or selling, the agent should explain the entire process up front. Sellers can use the "listing presentation" to compare agents on their preparation and professionalism. Ask questions that get at the agent's experience, knowledge and motivation to help you:

• Do you work full or part time?
• Are you familiar with the areas I'm considering?
• What type of homes do you usually handle?
• What percentage of your business comes from referrals and repeat clients?
• How many sales have you closed?
• How many homes did you sell last year?
• What percentage of your listings sold during the listing period?
• Did they sell close to the asking price?
• On average, how many days does a home stay on the market?
• Will you guide us as we prepare the house to be shown?
• Will we receive a copy of the marketing plan?
• How will you advertise our home? In what publications and when will ads run? Will you employ an Internet marketing program?
• When do you plan to hold open houses? How will you advertise an open house?
• Do you plan to do anything else to get the word out?
• How often can we expect to be updated, even if there's nothing to report?