Finding An Agent

Quite a lot of sellers would want two things when they are selling their property:

1. Highest List Price for Your Home
2. Lowest Commission

Little do these sellers know that a successful sale has little to do with the criterion they are taking into consideration. In fact, an agent who is hired based on the criterion might not be able to meet your expectations at the end. I once saw a home listed for $1.7 million but sold for $1.6 while the average sold price was about 1.63 in that neighbourhood. An agent can show you what your house is worth based on recent transactions in your neighbourhood, but you are the one who determines the sales price. Your buyer will then let you know if the price is right.

Don't get yourself hooked to a high listing price

If an agent guarantees your sales price, you better think twice and ask him/her to support his/her statement. The worst thing that could happen is your sticking with this agent who keeps convincing you to lower the price. In a slow market, you might be losing quite a chunk while the average sales price is plunging. An agent should always keep you informed as to the current market activity to help you determine the best listing price possible.

Look for a analytic agent

The real estate market is always in the process adjusting itself. An agent should be your second brain when it comes to making a pricing decision. In an extremely active market, it might only take a week for the house price to shoot up, say, another 5% or vice versa. Your agent should inform and suggest you when and how much your new listing price should be and why.

Pricing it right

Whether or not the house is priced right, you will know it by the end of the first month. If the home is priced right, you'll get an offer. If it's priced too high, you might not get any showings at all; buyers will shun your home and you'll eventually end up reducing the price, leaving a bad impression on your property.

Why would some agents willingly work for less?

Just like every business, someone is willing work for less. However, the drawback could mean less public exposure and awareness on your property due to lower budget advertisement. The more people are aware of your property, the faster your house will sell.

Importance of agent marketing

It is crucial to know how your agent is marketing your property in order to sell it fast. An agent should go through his marketing plan with you and maybe provide you a weekly report telling you the market's feedback. Failing to do so not only shows the unprofessionalism of the agency but also wasting your time.