How to Find a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home
A knowledgeable real estate agent is a great resource, whether you have sold homes before or this is your first time. It can be difficult to select the right agent when there are so many options. The National Association of Realtors boasts 1.5 million members. You should consider the following when searching for a real-estate agent to help you sell your house.
The benefits of hiring a listing agent
It is not required to hire an agent to sell your house. However, you’re better off working with a real estate agent for a few reasons. A good agent will help you price your house appropriately, effectively market it and increase your chances to get top dollar for the deal. The agent can help prepare your house for viewings before listing it, and help you sort through offers after. Seller’s agents, also known as listing agents since they manage the listing, also handle other aspects of the home selling process.
- If needed, staging your home
- Listing your home in the local MLS
- Open houses and coordination of viewings
- Documents and paperwork to be completed
- Negotiating terms of sale with the buyer
Do your own research
Do your research to find a real estate agent that meets your requirements.
Asking friends and family for recommendations is a better way to begin than searching online for agents.
If you are selling a 4-bedroom house, it is important that the agent has experience in your area. You wouldn’t hire an agent to sell a 4-bedroom home only to discover that they are a condo specialist! A good agent will know exactly what you are selling and provide comps for similar homes in your area that have sold recently.
Also, you’ll want someone who has specific experience, either in your area or near it. You should take note of any “for sale” and “sold signs” in your area. The Realtors who represent these listings may be worth contacting if they’ve had local success.
Real estate commissions
Typical real estate commissions for sellers generally range between 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price, though this can vary depending on the location and the agreement with the real estate agent. These commissions are usually split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent, incentivizing both to facilitate a successful sale. The commission covers various services provided by the seller’s agent, including marketing the property, conducting open houses, negotiating offers, and handling the closing process. While this expense can seem significant, many sellers find that the expertise and support provided by a skilled agent can significantly enhance the sale process and final sale price.
If you want to save thousands of dollars on real estate commissions, consider hiring a discount real estate agent. These agents do the exact same work as a traditional agent, but for a much smaller fee. They are able to do so due to leveraging technology and because discount agents usually have a much larger number of listings.
Interview different candidates
Do not settle for an agent who looks good on the paper. Ask questions and conduct several interviews to make an informed choice. John Myers, a realtor with Myers & Myers of Albuquerque in New Mexico, suggests that you begin by asking about each agent’s experience in the current market, including their most recent sales volume.
Myers says, “You don’t just want to hear that someone has been in the real estate business for more than 20 years.” Years of service do not matter much. You want an agent that is actively involved in the real estate market, who knows what’s happening right now. “The market is changing as we speak.”
Ask each agent about how they would handle difficult situations with potential buyers. If there are any hiccups, you want an agent who can handle them. Another important factor is communication. Is the agent’s preferred communication method compatible with yours and vice versa? How quickly does the agent respond to your questions? Communication skills are important.
Check out the references
Ask each agent for a few references and contact them to learn more about their experience. Ask about the level of service provided, how the agent communicated and if their methods worked. You can also ask the agent if they could have done anything to improve your experience. You can check the license status online if you wish.
Find the best listing agent to represent you
It is important to choose the agent who best meets your needs. Review the entire agreement before signing to make sure you fully understand the terms. Reiterate your expectations as well to ensure that both parties are on the same page. The right agent is the one you trust and click with.
FAQ
What is the average commission of a real estate agent?
In most cases, the seller pays a real estate commission of between 5 and 6%. If your home sells for $300,000. You would pay between $15,000 to $18,000 as commission fees. This amount is negotiable and depends on the specific transaction. Usually, the total commission is split equally between the agents involved in the transaction – the agent for the seller and the agent for the buyer.
Do I need an agent to sell my home?
It is not mandatory to use a realty agent to sell your house. Many sellers choose the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) approach. This approach has several disadvantages, including the absence of expert guidance, which can make the process complex and intimidating. Agents also tend to get more money for homes that are sold.
How can I decide on the best price to list my home?
There are several ways to find out how much your house is worth. You should hire a real estate agent if you are a seller. They know how to set the right price for your home and can do a comparative market study to help you decide the best price.