You’re ready to buy your dream home. But first, you have to part with your current home. Of course, you can choose to sell your home on your own. However, there are many advantages to enlisting the aid of a skilled real estate agent.
How can you find the right listing agent for you? Following are four tips for choosing an agent to sell your home:
- Ask around.
Want to find an agent who understands your home, neighborhood and expectations? Ask the people who understand you best! Gather referrals from trustworthy friends and relatives, and interview several candidates before making your decision.
Don’t know anyone who can recommend a good local agent? Use an online search tool, like this one, or attend some open houses in your neighborhood to see if you connect with any area agents. - Start sleuthing.
Once you have a few candidates in mind, it’s time to hit the internet. Research all prospective agents’ credentials, including licensing and how long they’ve been in business. You can even check out their current listings (be sure to note the number of days on the market!) and testimonials from past clients. - Be inquisitive.
Don’t be afraid to ask any questions that spring to mind. Your listing agent is going to represent you in a significant financial transaction. Therefore, you need to choose someone who is approachable and makes you feel comfortable asking about everything from sales price to commission rate. - Discuss marketing.
Make sure that whoever you choose provides a detailed plan for marketing your home. Ask about strategies for home staging, advertising, open houses and more. Effective marketing can mean the difference between a quick sale and many months of inactivity and frustration.
We wish you a speedy and seamless home sale! When you’re ready to start your new home search, call 888.500.7060 or visit RichmondAmerican.com to learn about communities and floor plans in your area.