There are many reasons for deciding to sell a home. They range from a variety of domestic situations. The family is growing and more space is required! Or, on the flip side, the kids have moved on and now it’s time to pack up and move into a more modest arrangement. The market could work in the favour of the seller, and so a profit can be made on a property. Employment changes… the list goes on! Once the decision is made to sell, the first course of action is to partner with a great real estate agent who will help make the process as painless as possible. The question is then, how to choose a real estate agent for selling property?

Making Connections Through Online Platforms

In an age where information is literally available at our fingertips, often sellers will turn to the Internet to begin their search. With thousands of pages to scroll through, it can still be hard to find a starting point. However, savvy REALTORS^®are using social media platforms to connect with thousands of clients at a time by sharing success stories. This offers sellers a great opportunity to learn more about the agent’s successes through honest reviews left on platforms like Facebook or Twitter. Often Google searches of specifically named agents or REALTORS^®will provide ratings and reviews without prejudice or influence.

It goes without saying that a real estate agent should be working for the client’s needs and putting them first. AREALTOR^® in the GTA who embraces the technology and embodies the "customer first” attitude is JN Asensio. They appeal to a variety of people through different online options.

Ask the Tough Questions!

Once you have a list of the "top three” candidates you are considering to partner with to sell your home, it’s time to ask them some tough questions. A good real estate agent will have the answers you are looking for.

• How many listings does the agent have? Will you be a priority for the agent? Will their case load prohibit them from giving you the attention you deserve?
• How many homes have they sold in your area? This will indicate knowledge of the community, the market and also success rate.

• How do they plan on promoting your listing? Social media connects potential buyers instantly to your home. With the right staging techniques and great professional photos, a buyer can have a "virtual tour” of the home without even stepping through the front door. Enticing these buyers with a great online presentation has been proven successful.

Red Flags for Sellers

Some red flags to watch out for when choosing a real estate agent for selling:

• The agent works in the industry on a part-time basis, or does it "on-the-side.” A question to ask is how focused on the market are they? Will they be giving your listing the full-time attention it deserves?
• If the agent indicates they don’t typically deal with your type of property. You want to have someone who understands the nuances of your particular type of listing. For example a commercial agent who is dabbling in residential – the two types of properties have very different characteristics and follow different regulations.
• A poor negotiator or fails to keep attention to detail. This will also indicate your listing is not receiving the attention or promotion it deserves.

Consider these questions and red flags when asking yourself, "how do I choose a real estate agent for selling my property?” Your greatest tool is social media, online reviews and blogs. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter will connect you to different agents. Then ask the tough questions to get the answers that indicate you are their top priority and your needs will be met. Happy selling!