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!