So you are thinking about selling your house or property and you have made the decision to use the services of a professional realtor to help you.  Congratulations on that good decision - to not use one could end up costing you money and time.  So which realtor should you pick?  You probably wouldn't pick a doctor who smokes to tell you about the health hazards of smoking, here are some suggestions about which realtors NOT to pick as your listing agent.

1) Don't Pick An Out of Area Realtor - Yes, the internet has changed everything, and you may think that all agents, no matter where they are located, can provide you with competent representation.   Don't you believe it, it just ain't so.  Local knowledge is essential in providing effective real estate services.  It begins with helping you set a reasonable listing price, knowing  which marketing and advertising channels are most effective, and working with local lenders, inspectors and industry associates.  All of these are critical components in selling real estate; and all of them are local.  And really, really, you should pass on the discount broker/out of area realtor combination - that is a loosing proposition on two counts.  Which leads to "Who Not To Hire" Rule #2.

2) Don't Pick The Low Baller - Discount brokers are everywhere and of course you don't want to pay more in commissions than is necessary to sell your house.  But don't pick your agent just because they offer the lowest commission. Ask every agent about their marketing plan for your house.  It should cover marketing to the public and marketing to the local real estate community.  The brutal economic facts of real estate are that reduced commission rates mean reduced marketing and that means reduced exposure for your home or property.  If you are going to put your asking price BELOW market value, then you probably should pick the lowest commission broker.  But if you want full market price, then select the agent and brokerage firm that provides full service.  There is no free lunch in any business to include real estate. That takes us to Rule #3.

3) Don't Pick The Highest Listing Price - One agent says they would list property at a higher price than the other agents. You are tempted to list with them because you want to believe that your home is worth that higher price.  Ask very carefully how they came up with that price.  Do they have the data to support their suggested price?  Setting the original listing price too high can have serious negative consequences on selling your property - but that is a whole other conversation.  Select the agent who shows you the data to support their suggested listing price.  No data, no pick.  What next - Rule #4.

4) Don't Pick The Talker - So far, so good - they are local, their commission is appropriate to the desired service, and they can support their proposed listing price with data.  But have they been listening to you, asking you questions, making sure they understand you, your motivations and situation.  Don't pick the person who talks about themselves, pick the one who has listened to you and understand and address your needs and requirements.  You should also pick one you like.  You will be dealing with this person for quite a period of time, and it is essential that you can stand being around them.  If you don't really like them - don't pick them.  That simple.

If you are considering selling your home, and would like to know our estimate of it's current market value and our tailored plan to sell it, please don't hesitate to contact us. 

Thanks - Linda