Top 5 Things to Consider When Hiring Your Realtor

It's almost Spring!  Spring is always the busiest season for selling your house.
 
First plan of action is to find a great realtor. I can't say enough good things about hiring a realtor instead of doing a For Sale By Owner. The Realtors I associate with are hard working, dedicated, and diligent about the details of getting your house sold.  They are master negotiators and that means more money in your pocket.

Here is my list of the 5 most important things to consider when hiring your realtor.

1. Do you feel comfortable with the listing agent?   You are going to be spending a lot of time communicating with your Realtor. Does your realtor LISTEN?  If in your initial meeting, they talk over you and interrupt while you are explaining the special features of your house, neighbors, neighborhood, etc. take a pass.  Pay attention to their education, CPE, and references.If your friends have a referral Realtor, interview them first.  You likely have the same tastes in agents.

2. Are they high stylin' and profilin'?  It has been my experience that the Realtors with their mug on on a van, billboard and commercials on TV are not always the best choice.  After the listing agreement is signed, they may pass you off to someone on their staff.  The Big-Deal-Realtors typically convince you to list your house for the lowest possible price.  Big-Deal-Realtors keep their numbers up by turning over inventory.

3. Are they Agggggessive in Marketing your house? Don't settle for a simple MLS listing

and flyer box.  Make sure they know the latest technology for marketing your house. A dedicated website is always a plus.

                                          
4. Does the realtor use a professional photographer to take home pictures of your house?  Point and click cameras shots don't cut it.  The majority of potential buyers go online.  Great pictures/videos help sell your house.  Many Realtors are slow to get on the bandwagon of professional pictures.  If the realtor doesn't offer a professional photographer, pay for one yourself.

IranWatsonPhoto.com

5. Does the realtor use a professional stager?  Hello! A professional stager has experience and a proven tract record to get your house sold and for the most money.  Many agents will boast of having their own stager.  "Our stager" is typically someone on their staff  with other responsibilities and no training. You deserve more than genetic recommendations for preparing your house for sale.

How do you pronounce Realtor?
OK, here is a pet peeve.  The word is Real-tor. It is not Real-LA-ter.  There is no "A" the word "Realtor".  Pronounce it correctly and you'll get immediate respect.

Hope these pointers are helpful!